MORE than streaks are at stake when NLEX battles Ginebra and TNT duels Blackwater today in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Road Warriors (7-3) are not only eyeing a fourth straight win but also a sure seat among the top four in the quarterfinals when they tangle with the Kings, who are looking to stretch their winning skein to three, improve to 6-4, and secure a quarterfinals seat.
The nightcap would also mark the final game for NLEX import KJ McDaniels, who is set to fly home to the United States to attend to family matters.
Tapped to replace McDaniels is Cameron Clark, who is expected to plane in before the playoffs begin next weekend.
As important for the protagonists is the opener, where well-rested TNT aims to rack up a third straight win, improve to 5-4 and enhance its own chances of advancing to the eight-team quarterfinals.
The cellar-dwelling Blackwater (0-9) has long been ousted in the playoffs race and is now simply looking to end its league-worst 28-game winless freefall since last year.
Bossing coach Ariel Vanguardia said his team will keep on trying, no matter the odds.
“Hindi pa rin handang mag-give up ang team,” he said on the eve of the match.
“May gameplan naman kaming inihanda and sana maging effective,” added Vanguardia.
“Who knows? Bilog naman ang bola.”
