BLACKWATER hopes to extend its run and join Barangay Ginebra San Miguel atop the standings when the Elite takes on the streaking Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Elite made heads turn with their impressive string of victories that catapulted them to solo second place with a 6-1 won-lost record.
A win over the Hotshots (5-1) in the 7 p.m. game would give Elite a strong chance of pocketing a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
Although a bonus in the quarterfinals is within reach, Elite Head Coach Bong Ramos wants to keep his wards sharp and steady and avoid complacency in their remaining assignments.
“I don’t want to think about the playoffs. I want it one game at a time. We will play defense,” Ramos said.
Blackwater beat Rain or Shine, 99-93, last Sunday, as the young cast of locals revved up their games to support the highly efficient import Henry Walker.
Mike Digregorio topscored for the Elite with 17 points that went with five rebounds and three assists.
John Pinto was as productive with 16 points and five boards, while Walker had no problem distributing the ball to tally a triple-double of 14 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.
The slightest mistake could turn the luck to Magnolia as its victory would mean a jump to solo second place.
Currently on a three-game streak, the Hotshots last beat Columbian Dyip, 113-95, to share third spot with the Alaska Aces.
Import Romeo Travis was a monster inside as he registered 32 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Marc Barroca complemented Travis’s efforts with his 16 points and four assists.