THERE'S a chance for Converge to make a Top Two finish. If ever, a big part of it would be winning over mighty San Miguel Beer.
"Kung papalarin, we want that," said coach Franco Atienza, hopeful they can handle the Beermen and close out their PBA Commissioner's Cup elims stint at 9-3 for a shot at a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
The FiberXers and the Beermen clash in a big game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, with coach Leo Austria's troops fighting for their bid to salvage the eighth and last spot in the post-elims play.
It's an interesting setto with a side showdown pitting eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and Converge young ace behemoth Justine Baltazar.
"Kung ano ang gameplan, paghahandaan namin at pagtratrabahuhan namin," said Baltazar, who is to get his first-ever matchup with Fajardo.
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Atienza is hoping Justin Arana is okay so they can have another big man to throw at Fajardo. Arana got hurt in their last outing and went to the showers ahead of his teammates, aided by the team staff members.
"We'll do our best with or without Arana. Confident naman kami on our other guys. It's always next man up for us," said Atienza.
A win would make Converge the temporary solo leader at 9-3, but a bunch of other teams could catch up as NorthPort is at 8-3, Eastern and Meralco both at 7-3 and TNT at 6-3.
"We'll take care of what is at present. Sa ngayon ang present for us is San Miguel. Kanit manalo kami, yung ibang games may-bearing pa rin. Pero ayaw namin dumating doon (possible tie) na we don't take care of the things in our control," said Atienza.
For the Beermen, it's virtually a fight for survival now as they're tied with the Magnolia Hotshots and the NLEX Road Warriors at eighth place at 4-6.
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With flickering hopes behind them are Blackwater and Phoenix at 3-8.(SB)
