And they’re off to the races.
MANILA, Philippines — The PBA thoroughbreds take the fight for the league’s crown jewel to the next level in a pair of explosive semifinal contests beginning today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sibling rivals from the MVP Group – No. 3 TNT and No. 7 Meralco – and sister teams-competitors from San Miguel Corp. – top-seeded defending champion San Miguel Beer and No. 5 Barangay Ginebra – will duke it out for a coveted spot in the Season 50 Philippine Cup Last Dance.
It’s a best-of-seven affair and all Final Four competitors leave past records, playoffs seeding, and incentives and head-to-head advantages behind.
“Though we beat them in eliminations (83-81), the semifinals is a different ballgame,” said SMB coach Leo Austria ahead of the 7:30 p.m. opener against Barangay Ginebra.
“Confidence-booster sa amin nanalo kami ng 10 straight (prior to the semis) pero tapos na ‘yung elims saka quarterfinals, wala na ‘yun. Pagdating sa semis, back to zero na ‘yun,” said behemoth June Mar Fajardo.
The Tropang 5G brace for a dogfight as they dispute first blood at 5:15 p.m. with the Bolts, especially considering their ultra-tough duel in the preliminaries. Chot Reyes’ troops had to climb out of a 23-point hole in their previous meeting before pulling through with a 100-98 steal in overtime.
“It’s a very formidable team and it’s going to take our best to be able to compete with them,” said Reyes of Meralco.
The Bolts go into the semis with momentum, having successfully overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage against No. 2 Rain or Shine.
“We definitely know that TNT is a team that likes to compete. They’re a team that has embraced their system and their culture. I got to know coach Chot and some of the staff over there and see how they work. They’re a class act team over there and so we know what we’re up against,” said Meralco ace Chris Newsome.
“It’s going to be an exciting semis. I definitely feel like it’s going to be a great matchup.”
The Gin Kings are similarly riding a two-game reversal over No. 4 Converge – plus the extra motivation of getting back at the SMB team that handed them a 3-4 defeat in the same stage last season.
“We’re so hungry,” said Stephen Holt, whose booming triple to beat the buzzer in overtime lifted the Gin Kings past the FiberXers, 99-98, for a date with SMB.
“I feel like we’re probably playing our best basketball of the season right now so we’re going to continue that momentum, continue that work and let the chips fall where it may. But we definitely feel very confident.”