Games today:

(Ynares Center)

5 p.m. — NorthPort vs Blackwater

7:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs NLEX

NorthPort sets its sights on a second straight win and a clear shot at a quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage against a Blackwater side fighting for dear life in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Batang Pier march into the 5 p.m. curtain-raiser brimming with confidence following a historic sweep of the three San Miguel Corporation teams, which propelled them to an 8-3 win-loss record in the top two of the standings.

Import Kadeem Jack played the hero’s role in NorthPort’s 105-104 escape over defending champion San Miguel Beer, putting in the game-winning basket in the last seconds of the match last Tuesday.

Northport coach Bonnie Tan challenges the Batang Pier to build momentum for the next round.

“I gave them a choice for our last two games. I told them we could go down as low as eighth if we lost our last games. If we win our last two then we’ll have a chance to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage,” he said.

“Then I also told them: Why win against San Miguel if you don’t want the twice-to-beat?”

The response to Tan’s challenge will be answered in the crucial match that weighs somehow heavier for the Bossing.

Although its chances of making it to the next round remain slim with just a 3-8 card under its name, Blackwater head coach Jeff Cariaso vows his team will go all-out.

Aside from beating the Batang Pier, the Bossing must pray that San Miguel, Magnolia and NLEX won’t reach five wins to force a playoff for the No. 8 spot.

“If there’s still a slight window then we’re gonna do our part-do our best to do our part-and prepare,” Cariaso said.

The mentor hopes his team will carry the momentum of its 100-92 shocker over Phoenix last Tuesday despite playing all-Filipino with import George King down with an ankle injury.

“If we don’t have a window and it’s closed out already, you can only expect the guys to come out the way they did tonight. Just going out with a bang, ending the conference on a good note. Regardless of what happens, we’re gonna go out and play hard,” added Cariaso, who expects King to be back in action.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine battles NLEX at 7:30 p.m. seeking to get back on the winning track and formally secure a quarters seat.

The Elasto Painters are in a precarious position in the race for the few remaining playoff berths after losing three of their last four games and slipping to a 6-4 record.

On the other hand, the Road Warriors are in survival mode with a 4-6 mark as another loss could end their quarters hopes.