TERRAFIRMA's chances of making the PBA Governors Cup range from slim to none.
That fact would not stop the Dyip from trying and at the same time even take on the role of spoilers when they take on the NLEX Road Warriors Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NLEX is gunning for a seventh win on its 10th game, which would not only solidify its hold on third-running spot but also boost its chances of grabbing a top four finish at the end of the eliminations that carries with it a twice-to-beat advantage in the eight-team quarterfinals.
"We're actually looking for a spot in the top four," said Road Warriors coach Frankie Lim in looking forward to the Terrafirma game before winding up the eliminations against San Miguel Beer next Wednesday.
"We have to win that (Dyip) game before going up against San Miguel," added Lim. "I think if we get one of two, that would be good for us."
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Just getting past the eliminations looks like an unrealizable dream for Terrafirma. With a 2-6 slate and mired in a four-game slide, the Dyip are currently stuck at 11th and still have powerhouses Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra to tackle following the NLEX match.
In order to advance, coach Johnedel Cardel's charges must win all their remaining matches and would only do so by bringing their A-game, starting with the NLEX match.
"Sinasabi ko naman sa mga players na malaki pa rin ang chances namin with three games remaining," said Cardel.
"Saka na problemahin 'yung dalawang susunod na laro. Ang importante is tomorrow, na makuha panalo. Just follow the instructions and details sa depensa. Kapag nasunod naman siguro mas maganda chances naming manalo."
It should take a lot of doing, especially with the disparity in the recent performances of the protagonists' respective imports.
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Since coming in as replacement for Jonathon Simmons, Wayne Selden has visibly adjusted well to his NLEX teammates and the PBA style of play and now has five-game averages of 30.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, while doing his part on the defense and hustle departments.
Even Cardel has to agree that Selden is doing a great job, especially when compared to his own reinforcement in Jordan Williams, who averaged 40.5 points in his first four games with the Dyip but whose performances have taken a dip lately and even had a 14-point game against Phoenix Super LPG last Feb. 18.
One welcome news for Terrafirma is the fact that Kevin Ferrer, sidelined by a shoulder injury the last five games, is now fit enough to return to action. (NC)
