MANILA, Philippines – In the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, BARANGAY Ginebra will resume its pursuit of a playoff spot when the Kings play against the ailing Blackwater Bossing after a 12-day break.

The Kings have a 5 to 2 win-loss record and are now fourth in the standings, trailing the Magnolia Hotshots (8 to 1), Bay Area Dragons (8 to 2) and Converge FiberXers (8 to 2). However, they are still very much in the mix for top 2.

When facing a Blackwater squad that is 3 to 7 and on the verge of elimination, Justin Brownlee and his colleagues try to increase their motivation in an effort to secure their fourth straight victory.

The Bossing lost their most recent four games to TNT, Converge, Magnolia, and Meralco because of injuries to key players Troy Rosario, Jvee Casio, and Baser Amer.

To have a chance of making the playoffs, head coach Ariel Vanguardia and his team need to whitewash their final two matches against Ginebra and Rain or Shine.

Beginning with their match against the charging Gin Kings, it is undoubtedly a difficult route.

The excitement Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo brought to the Gin Kings from their participation with Gilas Pilipinas in the most recent fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asia qualifiers was an additional plus.

On his quest to become a citizen so that he can serve the national team, Brownlee has received a warm and overwhelming amount of support.

With all of these factors combined, the Kings are bursting with vigor and resolve as they attempt to prolong their winning streak in their matchup with the Bossing.

If the Kings continue their winning streak, they stand a good chance of earning a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals thanks to victories over the Dragons and the Hotshots.

The Kings tapped into their inner fortitude in their most recent game on November 6, coming from behind to defeat the San Miguel Beermen, 97 to 96. 

Meanwhile, NLEX struggles against winless Terrafirma on the verge of being eliminated

The drooping drive of NLEX needs to be revived. By snapping a 25-game losing skid, Terrafirma hopes to salvage something from an otherwise hopeless season.

The PBA Commissioner’s Cup game on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum pits the Road Warriors (3 to 6) against the Dyip (0 to 9) with distinct goals in mind.

3 p.m. The fight is anticipated to be fierce, with both contenders eager to seize the chance to claim an elusive victory.

Coach Frankie Lim’s Road Warriors, who are currently ranked 11th and are on a four-game losing streak, are attempting to make a strong late push for a playoff spot.

If NLEX wins against the Dyip, it will at least match the three teams with four victories remaining in the Magic 8: Meralco (4 to 5), TNT (4 to 5), and Rain or Shine (4 to 6).

With two matches remaining on their schedule, a fourth victory also puts the Road Warriors within striking distance of the three clubs with five victories – fourth place Ginebra (5 to 2), No. 5 NorthPort (5 to 5) and No. 6 Phoenix (5 to 5) with five victories (the Gin Kings and the Bolts).

The Dyip, on the other hand, may not have a chance to go to the quarterfinals, but they undoubtedly have no plans to give up the battle.

The team of coach Johnedel Cardel hasn’t tasted success since their 109 to 103 victory over Blackwater on February 12. However, just a week ago, they came perilously close to achieving that coveted winning feeling.

The previous time, the Dyip led NorthPort by as many as 15 and had a lead of 81 to 78 in the final five minutes before losing steam in the face of a Batang Pier comeback spearheaded by Arvin Tolentino and losing by a score of 85 to 91.

Cardel and company are hoping to finally succeed against Lim’s team, who, after a 2 to 0 start, has dropped six of its subsequent seven games, including a 98 to 118 defeat by Bay Area last Sunday.