Surprisingly surging squads battle curiously reeling foes in PBA Wednesday

After stunning Ginebra, Blackwater looks to add TNT next to its growing upset list. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--You usually see Rain Or Shine and TNT battle for a Top 4 spot in the quarterfinals and Phoenix and Blackwater gunning for survival.

However, three games into their PBA Philippine Cup campaign, it seems like the tide have turned.

The Fuel Masters and the Elite are on a two-game winning streak each and are keeping in step with league leaders San Miguel Beermen.

The Elasto Painters and the KaTropa, on the other hand, are stuck in a four-team tie for eighth place, and a loss could pull them away from the Top 8, which means a playoff spot.

On Wednesday night, the four teams will gun for a pivotal win.

Rain Or Shine will battle Phoenix, while TNT will collide with Blackwater in a twinbill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The E-Painters and the Fuel Masters play first 4:30 p.m., while the KaTropa battle the Elite in the main game at 7 p.m.

A win for Phoenix and Blackwater will put them at a tie with idle Magnolia for second place at 3-1, just behind the 3-0 SMB.

ROS and TNT, on the other hand, look to bounce back from their recent losses and keep in step at the middle of the pack and stay out of the seventh and eighth spots, which could put them at a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the next round.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno