2015 PBA Governors’ Cup playoff scenarios

MANILA, Philippines – With 4 games left and still plenty at stake, take a look at the possible scenarios for the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs, according to PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

Remaining games:

Tuesday, June 23

Globalport Batang Pier vs Alaska Aces

Blackwater Elite vs Star Hotshots

Wednesday, June 24

KIA Carnival vs Meralco Bolts

NLEX Road Warriors vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Current team standings as of Monday, June 22:

Alaska Aces	8-2
San Miguel Beermen	8-3
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	7-4
Globalport Batang Pier	6-4
Barako Bull Energy	6-5
Star Hotshots	5-5
Meralco Bolts	5-5
Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters	5-6
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel	4-6
KIA Carnival	4-6
NLEX Road Warriors	3-7
Blackwater Elite	1-9

What we know:

The conference format has the top 8 teams at the end of the eliminations advancing into the quarterfinals, where the top 4 teams will each have a twice-to-beat advantage over the bottom 4 teams.

There will be no playoff games in case of ties in win-loss record. If two teams end up with the same record, the league will follow the winner-over-the-other rule. And if 3 or more teams are tied, the quotient rule will be implemented.

Only Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine are assured of twice-to-beat advantages at this point. The last once is still up for grabs.

Globalport, Barako Bull, Star and Meralco are all assured of quarterfinals seats due to their records and superior quotient.

The 8th and final playoff slot will be disputed between Barangay Ginebra, Talk ‘N Text and KIA.

NLEX and Blackwater are already eliminated from contention.

Possible scenarios:

A. If Globalport defeats Alaska:

Alaska is already assured of the top seed regardless of the outcome of their last elimination game. For Globalport, the stakes are higher as a win will allow them to clinch the last twice-to-beat edge.

B. If Alaska defeats Globalport:

Globalport will slip to 5th spot, and Star will claim the last twice-to-beat as long as it beats Blackwater.

C. If Blackwater defeats Star:

The twice-to-beat edge goes to Barako Bull.

D. If Meralco defeats KIA:

Talk ‘N Text advances to the playoffs. KIA and Ginebra out.

E. If KIA defeats Meralco:

The Commissioner’s Cup champions Talk ‘N Text will be eliminated. KIA will achieve its first quarterfinals appearance in just its first PBA season as long as Ginebra loses as well.

F. If Ginebra defeats NLEX:

Ginebra will only advance if KIA wins over Meralco. KIA can still usurp a victorious Ginebra if it wins by a huge number of points against Meralco. The Gin Kings are in a must-win situation and will have to rely on a win – but not by a huge margin – by KIA to salvage their playoff hopes.

– Rappler.com