But they need to win their remaining assignment in the semifinal round as a loss would mean giving Alaska the free ride to the best-of-seven championship series.
The Boosters meet early finalist Talk ‘N Text in the first game at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, while the Kings battle ousted Rain or Shine at 745 p.m.
Alaska, at 8-5, could enter the finals without a sweat if Petron and Ginebra, toting 7-5 records each, lose their matches on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
But even if the Boosters win and the Kings lose, the Aces will still advance because of a superior quotient over Petron.
A loss by the Boosters and a Ginebra win will send the Kings to the championship because of a better quotient over the Aces.
In case of a three-way tie among Alaska, Petron and Ginebra, the Boosters will gain the slot because of superior quotient over the two.
And this is what Boosters head coach Ato Agustin is hoping to happen to avenge their Philippine Cup finals loss to Talk ‘N Text.
“Talagang no-tomorrow game ito. Kailangan manalo dahil kung matalo kami at nanalo Ginebra, sila ang papasok,” said Agustin.
Petron came from a shaky 97-92 win over the eliminated B-MEG on Wednesday and Agustin knows that even though the Tropang Texters could afford to lose on Friday night, he still expects a tough match from the grand slam-seeking squad.
Talk ’N Text actually could “choose” its finals opponent, but head coach Chot Reyes said they will still bring their A game.
“Choosing is very dangerous. We will play to win,” said Reyes.
Ginebra could also get a crack at the finals if it beats the Elasto Painters—but still, they don’t control their destiny.
“Just win,” said Kings head coach Jong Uichico, who hopes for a Petron loss to return to the finals. Ginebra lost to Tropang Texters for the Commissioner’s Cup this season.
(Joel Orellana)
