BLACKWATER might have just been given an opening that should immensely boost its bid to make the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals.
It is now a question of how the Bossing can pounce on the opportunity.
Blackwater battles San Miguel Beer at 5p.m. on Saturday with an even bigger question mark hanging over the Beermen's collective heads at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Currently tied for fourth in Group B with a 3-5 record, the Bossing need to win their last two games, culminating in a rematch with Rain or Shine on Monday, to fan their hopes of advancing to the next round.
Only the top four teams from each group after the 10-game eliminations of the intragroup format advance to the next round with ties to be resolved via the PBA quotient system.
The 6-3 Beermen, along with 7-2 Rain or Shine and 6-3 Barangay Ginebra, are already assured of outright passage along with defending champion TNT and recent Philippine Cup titlist Meralco from Group A.
One big problem for SMB, though, is the status of import Jordan Adams.
Adams suffered what was suspected to be a strained right hamstring in the course of the Beermen's 112-122 loss to the Elasto Painters just last Thursday.
The prolific import asked to be subbed out at the 8:43 mark of the fourth period and never returned after recording 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, and five steals in 33 minutes of action.
Adams is set to undergo tests Friday to determine the full extent of the injury.
But even if the burly Adams is cleared to play, it is highly doubtful if he would be at full capacity against the Bossing who have had ample time to rest and prepare for the match since dropping a 114-119 decision to Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday.
What should be under the microscope is how the remaining Beermen, led by eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, handle the pressure the likes of George King, Troy Rosario and Sedrick Barefield will surely bring. (NC)
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