Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — KIA Carnival improved their chances of entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup quarterfinals with a nail-biting victory over Meralco Bolts, 88-85, on Wednesday (June 24) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
But to actually book a slot in the Elite 8, the NLEX Road Warrirors have to beat the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The two teams are slugging it out at the same venue as of posting time.
Ginebra will complete the quarterfinal cast if it wins tonight opposite the Road Warriors.
Regardless of the outcome, KIA head coach Manny Pacquiao is happy with the team’s development in its debut season in the first play-for-pay league in Asia.
“Masaya ako sa performance ng mga players. Masipag sila sa training at nagawa nila lahat ng pinapagawa namin,” said the Filipino pugilist moments after their conquest of the Bolts, who clinched the seventh spot despite the loss.
“Lahat ng sacrifice sa training nagawa dito sa laro so maganda naging resulta. Lahat kami masaya.”
For now, Pacquiao said his team’s fate hinges on the will of the Lord.
“Sana loobin ng Panginoon na makapasok kami,” he said. “Bahala na Siya kung makakapasok kami.”
Import Hamady N’Diaye led the way for KIA with 24 points, 19 rebounds, and six blocks.
LA Revilla shot a perfect 8-for-8 from the foul line including the last four that sealed the win. The diminutive point guard finished with 16 points on top of five rebounds and five assists.
Joshua Webb shared some of the spotlight with N’Diaye and Revilla after he hit a crucial three-pointer that put the Carnival on top for good, 83-80, with 1:14 to go.
Meanwhile, Meralco will head to the playoffs against the San Miguel Beermen with a twice-to-beat disadvantage.
Import Andre Emmett and Gary David carried the Bolts with 35 and 14 points, respectively.
