MANILA, Philippines — The top seed and the reigning PBA Philippine Cup titleholder are out of the picture, leaving an intriguing cast contending for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown.
Leading the field is a TNT squad that’s showing improved chemistry between fancied import Bol Bol and the local crew as it steps up its title-retention bid.
Seeded eighth in the playoffs, Bol and Co. extinguished the twice-to-beat advantage of top seed NLEX, 96-93 and 118-112, to reach the best-of-seven semis.
Standing against the Tropang 5G is Meralco, a tough bunch hungry for a second championship after its breakthrough in the Season 48 Philippine Cup.
The other side of the Final Four pits Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine, two teams eager to quench their thirst for gold.
Final Four hostilities begin Wednesday at Ynares Center-Antipolo.
The Gin Kings last tasted triumph in the Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup then had their hearts broken by TNT in succeeding attempts at the crown in the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, Season 49 Governors’ Cup and Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
The drought is even longer for the Elasto Painters, who haven’t been to the finals since ruling the Season 41 Commissioner’s Cup 10 years ago.
For coach Yeng Guiao’s speedy crew, this could be their time to shine.
Enjoying a good campaign highlighted by a franchise-best 7-0 start, the E-Painters roared to their fifth semifinal stint in the last six conferences with an impressive one-game disposal of mighty San Miguel Beer, 113-104.
“I think that’s a good sign (beating SMB) but maaga pa. We made the semifinals, yes, but this is just the start for us,” Guiao said.