DEFENDING champion Barangay Ginebra guns for a final four seat when it tangles with NorthPort in quarterfinal round of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup on Friday, January 19, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Seeded third, the Gin Kings enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage and will only need to win once in their 8 p.m. match against the 6th ranked Batang Pier to get into the semis.
Ginebra is riding on the crest of a four-game winning streak at the close of the elimination round, en route to earning a twice-to-beat edge.
The boys of coach Tim Cone scored a 103-93 beating of NorthPort in their lone meeting this season last January 7.
The Batang Pier, though, are no pushovers, given their young core that now has rising star Arvin Tolentino leading the way, along with JM Calma, Joshua Munzon and rookie Fran Yu.
Hard working import Venky Jois is also there to provide size, rebounding and inside scoring against a Ginebra side that will have reinforcement Tony Bishop, Season 47 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger and Jamie Malonzo taking the lead.
Meanwhile, number two seed San Miguel Beer will also be shooting for a quick knockout blow against seventh seed Rain or Shine as both squads square off at 4 p.m.
The Beermen ended the eliminations with a bang after winning five straight games to secure a top four finish.
San Miguel is 3-0 with sweet-shooting Bennie Boatwright in tow since the former USC Trojan alum took the spot of Ivan Aska.
But the Beermen will be tangling with an Elasto Painters side that is also red hot after sealing a playoff spot on the strength of its six-game winning run since starting the season with a 0-5 card.
"We have a good chance (heading to the playoffs) because of our six-game winning streak. But for us, the most important thing is we need to improve on the execution of our defense and offense," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said.
The difference maker for team's season turnaround has been import and rebounding demon Demetrius Treadwell.
The stocky American came in to replace former NBA player DaJuan Summers and has gone on to average 19.6 points, 18.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
Treadwell's PBA debut saw him score just eight points but grabbed 15 boards in Rain or Shine's narrow 115-110 loss to SMB on November 30.
But the Elasto Painters won six straight from there to reach the playoffs.
"Treadwell is the kind of import we really need, because even though he's not a heavy scorer, not flashy, but he's been dominant inside and fits well with our locals," said Guiao on Treadwell.
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