Kinto Tyres-Perpetual and PGJC-Navy, determined to avoid complacency, shoot for the coveted playoffs berth as they take on separate ousted rivals in the penultimate playdate of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference elims at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
The Altas (3-1) mix it up with the Don Pacundo-DLSU Dasmariñas Patriots (0-4) at 3 p.m. with the former going all-out for the victory in a bid to snatch the second quarterfinal spot from the Army Troopers in their headed Pool A chase.
The Troopers stunned the erstwhile unbeaten Sta. Elena-National U side the last time out to finish the single round elims among six teams in the four-division tournament at 4-1. But a Perpetual victory over DLSU Dasmariñas will clinch the Altas the second quarters seat due to higher tiebreak points.
The Nationals took the first seat in the knockout quarterfinal round, also with a 4-1 slate.
Perpetual head coach Sammy Acaylar has underscored the need for the Altas to persevere, saying: “They have to be tough whatever happens, kailangan nila buhatin yung kakampi nila.”
Jefferson Marapoc and Louie Ramirez, who combined for 28 points in their sweep over the Ateneo-Fudgee Barr Blue Eagles last Friday, are expected to lead the charge for the Las Piñas-based squad again while Popoy Alabin will try to steer the Patriots to their first victory and spoil the Altas’ bid.
The Sealions also tangle with an also-ran opponent in the Alpha Omega Elite Spikers at 5 p.m., aiming to nail their fourth win in five games and tie the FEU Tamaraws at the Pool D helm.
“Yung first game kasi namin na talo, lesson learned talaga sa players ko kaya pinag-igihan nila yung ensayo nila tapos ayun dinadahan-dahan namin yung goal na maangat yung team hanggang makarating kami sa pinakagoal namin,” said Navy head coach Cecille Cruzada, whose wards swept their next three matches after yielding a five-set loss to the Tamaraws.
The hard-hitting Edward Camposano, who delivered a game-high 15 points against The Bayleaf Hotels-Lyceum Pirates last Nov. 17, is again expected to take on the lead role against the John Diwa-led Elite Spikers, who tote a 1-3 mark.
Meanwhile, St. Gerrard Construction-Benilde and Sta. Rosa City battle for pride in the 11 a.m. opener, having fallen out of contention for the quarterfinals in Pool C play.
