Meralco Eyes Win-Once Advantage Against Terrafirma

Meralco keeps things straightforward as they face Terrafirma in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup later today at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Bolts only need a victory over the struggling Dyip in their 5:15 p.m. clash to secure a Top Four spot, earning the prized win-once incentive in the quarterfinals, which begin on May 13.

With NLEX, Ginebra, and Rain or Shine already locked into the playoff picture, Coach Luigi Trillo’s squad aims to become the fourth team to claim a favorable postseason position.

Currently fourth with a 7-3 record, Meralco knows that a loss to the league’s lower-tier team could complicate their path. Magnolia, Phoenix, TNT, and San Miguel are all tied at 6-5, meaning a Bolts defeat combined with Hotshots’ win on Sunday could cost Meralco the twice-to-beat edge.

That’s why Meralco’s focus is entirely on Terrafirma. “We’re locked in on Terrafirma,” Trillo said after their 108-93 win over already-eliminated Blackwater last Sunday, marking their second consecutive victory.

Meralco enters the game as heavy favorites, with TigerScore sportsbook listing them at -13.5. The over/under is set at 208.0.

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Later in Friday’s doubleheader at 7:30 p.m., Rain or Shine faces Titan Ultra in what’s essentially a battle for pride. Coach Yeng Guiao’s squad no longer needs to chase a ninth win to secure a twice-to-beat incentive, as both RoS and the Kings already earned it after Fuel Masters fell to guest team Macau last Wednesday.

Now, it’s about fine-tuning the team for the playoffs while managing the absence of Felix Lemetti. Despite the circumstances, Rain or Shine will treat their matchup against the Giant Risers as a playoff-style contest, anticipating a competitive fight.

Titan showed flashes of promise against NLEX, rallying from a 14-point deficit and even threatening victory before falling in overtime, marking their sixth straight loss. While they aim to avoid ending the conference on a seven-game losing streak, they understand the challenge they face.

According to TigerScore, Rain or Shine enters as a -15.5 favorite, with the total points line set at 220.0.