The Governors Cup is also an import-laced tournament but one that features handicapping, where teams which will finish at the tailend of the standings over the last two conferences will get the privilege of fielding taller imports.

Teams which will end up 10th and ninth after the first two conferences will be allowed to bring in imports not taller than 6-foot-6. Squads which will finish from fifth to eighth places may tap 6-foot-4 reinforcements, while the top four teams after the first two conferences can only imports with a 6-foot-2 height limit.

The Tigers, who finished tied for ninth to 10th places with the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the last Philippine Cup, are currently running just half-a-game ahead of unlikely 10th placer San Miguel Beermen in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.

With only two games left in its schedule, Powerade board governor JB Baylon would rather want his team to focus its attention on the Governors Cup where they are likely to parade a 6-foot-6 import.

“With yesterday’s (Wednesday) loss dimming our second-conference prospects, we will now focus on searching for the winning import and our team spirit for the third conference," said Baylon in a text message to GMA News.

Baylon’s message isn’t a sign the Tigers are already giving up the fight, according to coach Bo Perasol.

“With or without the chance, we would really be looking for a very good import next conference," said Perasol. “But this doesn’t mean we’re surrendering. We’re just being realistic."

Perasol added they’re now discussing sending Alex Compton early enough to the United States to scout for good imports.

“We’re talking about that already," said Perasol.

Rey Joble, GMA News TV