Teams in the MPBL Datu Cup are now setting their sights in the coming playoffs, but there are squads which are about to wrap up their elimination-round campaign – each of them either trying to make a lasting impression or building up for the quarterfinal round.
On Tuesday, four teams which are already out of the race for the playoffs, will be playing for pride. Pampanga plays host against Marikina in the main game at 9 p.m. right after the match between also-ran squads Rizal and Basilan at 7 p.m.
Local folks are expected to make their way inside the Angeles University Foundation Arena to see their Lanterns squad play their last two games at home this season.
Pampanga is already out of the race for the playoffs and even if the team wins its last two games in the elimination round, it would end up tied for the eighth to ninth places with the Caloocan Supremos, who defeated the Lanterns in the early stages of the elimination round.
Pampanga’s last game will also be played at home against Zamboanga and although the team is already out of the race for the playoffs, coach Aldrin Morante and his troops have the responsibility of not letting their local folks disappointed.
But Marikina is also out to make a lasting impression, especially Gerald Anderson, the celebrity baller, who had an impressive stint playing in the first ever MPBL All-Star Game.
Rizal and Basilan, two other teams that are already eliminated, slug it out in the other game at 7 p.m.
Although these two teams are at the bottom of the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner, they are determined to put on a good show.
The MPBL Datu Cup elimination round is drawing to a close and teams are either improving their standings or preparing themselves for the tougher battles in the playoffs. Only eight teams in each division will advance to the quarterfinal round with the top seeded teams playing the No. 8 spot from the same group. Team No.2 battles No.7, No. 3 faces No.6 and No.4 takes on No. 5.
The top four teams at the end of the elimination round will carry home court advantage and all series will be played via a best-of-three showdown.
