Tough duels up as Final Four begins

On one side, there’s the league’s winningest ballclub three wins away from a crack at yet another crown but which faces a tough obstacle in a team raring to make a statement right on its rookie year in the league.

On the other side, there’s an old champion squad also three games shy of a return stint in the title playoff but has a formidable foe in a team which, by all indications, has come of age, ripe for the championship.

These are the interesting storylines as the PBA Governors Cup Final Four unfolds today featuring San Miguel Beer versus Red Bull and Purefoods against Mobiline in what is shaping up as December thrillers of matchups.

The Ynares Center will be the venue of the Final Four opener with the Hotdogs and the Phone Pals clashing in the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser, then the Beermen and the Thunder colliding at 7:30.

Except for San Miguel, the rest finished inside the top four in the eliminations and enjoyed a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

But that’s history. Better forget it as the four teams start from scratch, seeing action in a pair of best-of-five playoffs to decide which teams play in the best-of-seven title series.

Mobiline and Red Bull topped the elims with similar 8-2 marks but coaches of the two teams couldn’t accept the role of favorites.

Mobiline coach Louie Alas cited the tall and intimidating frontline of Purefoods.

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao, meanwhile, said they have the height but San Miguel has the speed and more importantly the experience on its side.

"The most important thing in a playoff is the experience. San Miguel has lots of it. But I can’t say we fear them although I admit I respect them," said Guiao, who is looking forward to steer the Thunder to the finals right in their third conference in the league.

San Miguel coach Jong Uichico called Red Bull a gigantic team because of its height but expressed hopes they can beat the Thunder by pounding their weaknesses.

There’s no question that Red Bull suffered a big blow on the ouster of ace pointguard Jimwell Torion due to a dislocated right shoulder.

"I know maraming pointguard na may takot kay Torion dahil wala siyang sinasanto. Malakas ang loob. We’ll surely miss him in this series, specially with San Miguel having quick pointguards in Olsen Racela and Boybits Victoria," said Guiao.