Meralco, Alaska try to lock in playoff spots against struggling foes

Jvee Casio and the rest of the Aces will try to lock in a playoff seat. PBA Media Bureau (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Meralco and Alaska aim to officially join the quarterfinal cast of the PBA Commissioner's Cup as they battle slumping opponents on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Bolts, currently in fourth place at 5-2, will take on the cellar-dwelling Blackwater Elite in the first game at 4:30 p.m.

Magnolia's 111-89 rout of TNT on Wednesday night at the said venue actually gave Meralco an opportunity to tie its sister squad in third place as the team also looks to bolster its own bid for the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

On the other hand, the Aces (6-1) are not just aiming for the playoff spot against the NLEX Road Warriors in the main game at 7 p.m. but also look to once again tie the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters in the first place as the race for the Top 2 quarterfinal bonus heats up.

Survival is actually the name of the game for NLEX as the team needs to win its last three games to keep its hopes of making the quarterfinals alive.

Meanwhile, Blackwater, with Henry Walker around, looks to use its last two games to build up for the Governors' Cup.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno