Games today

(Cuneta Astrodome)

4:30 p.m. -- Alaska vs. Columbian

7 p.m.-- Rain or Shine vs. NorthPort

NORTHPort and Rain or Shine, two teams still trying to gain momentum with  the elimination round hitting the homestretch, clash in  an  all-important encounter in the  PBA Governors Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Game time is 7 p.m. with the Batang Pier looking to make it three wins in a row and the E-Painters hoping for a second straight win that will keep their flickering hopes alive for an elusive  seat in the playoffs.

“Basta kami gagawin lang namin ang pwede namin gawin para makahabol. One game at a time. Kung hindi makaabot, ganon  talaga,” said NorthPort  coach Pido Jarencio.

But with the Batang Pier’s two-game winning streak and Stanley Pringle  and Sean Anthony back in top shape, Jarencio remains confident about their chances.

“Stanley and Sean are back, and  we’re developing chemistry. We’re making up for our bad start. We’re sticking with positives, hoping we can still catch up,” said Jarencio.

Anthony finished with 26 points, including  four three-pointers, while Pringle added  24, including  six treys, in  the Batang Pier’s 99-94 victory over Meralco.

The Batang Pier also won over Columbian, 118-101,  to snap a six-game losing skid.

The E-Painters, on the other hand,  ended a four-game losing skid with a 104-97 upset win over defending champion Barangay Ginebra Kings in an an out-of-town game in Lucena City.

The E-Painters rode on a torrid shooting to pull the rug from  under the Gin Kings for their first win of the season-ending tournament.

But  the continued absence of Raymond Almazan could be crucial in the E-Painters’ bid in the long run.

Almazan missed the E-Painters’ last three games where they went 1-2.

His agent, Danny Espiritu, said Almazan is set to meet with RoS management reportedly to discuss  his  rift with  coach Caloy Garcia.

In the 4:30 p.m. first game, Alaska Milk guns for its  sixth win in eight matches when it meets winless Columbian Dyip.

Alaska coach Alex Compton urged his players to keep their focus as he claimed Columbian remains a dangerous team even with an 0-8 record.