Petron-F2 showdown seen as a toss-up

MANILA, Philippines – Hunger and desire will play a major role when Petron and F2 Logistics clash in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference best-of-three finals showdown starting Thursday.

Intensity is tipped to fly when the Blaze Spikers and the Cargo Movers figure in their fourth consecutive finals duel.

Smart-Army head coach Kungfu Reyes said it’s going to be an exciting series with both teams evenly matched in terms of chemistry, experience and firepower.

“It’s really hard to tell,” said Reyes, who mentored the RC Cola-Army to an Invitational Conference crown against Est Cola of Thailand two years ago.

“Both Petron and F2 Logistics have what it takes to win the crown. It will all boil down to whoever will make up on the right side of the bed and who wants it more.”

Cocolife coach Moro Branislav begs to disagree.

Branislav, a seasoned international mentor, said the Cargo Movers have an edge due to their solid chemistry after playing more than five years together.

They are also very hungry after losing to the Blaze Spikers in an epic finale in the Grand Prix last May.

“F2 Logistics has the tools to win it this year,” said Branislav, the Serbian guru who led Foton to the Grand Prix crown in 2016.

“They have been playing together since their college days and they know each other very well. For my opinion, they can beat Petron this year after losing in the previous Grand Prix.”

Sta. Lucia coach George Pascua, who led Cignal to the Invitational Conference title last year, agrees with Branislav.

He, however, issued a stern warning.

“I think F2 Logistics will win it, but it’s not going to be easy.”

“Petron will not go down without putting up a fight. It’s going to be an intense and very thrilling finals showdown between two of the best clubs in the country today.”