SMC, Star to firm up 1-2 positions

San Miguel Corp. and Philippine Star try to formalize their claim on the top two spots in the crossover semifinals as they take on separate rivals today at the close of the elimination round of the Philippine Star Friendship League at the Meralco Gym.

Unbeaten in four outings, including an 81-79 victory over The Star two weeks ago, San Miguel guns for a sweep of the elims as it clashes with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation at 8:30 a.m. in what could be a preview of one of the two semis matches.

The Star, managed by Kevin Belmonte and supported by Adidas, collides with RFM-Swift at 11:30 a.m., hoping to regain its winning ways heading into the semis phase next week.

The other match at 10 a.m. pits UCPB against ABS-CBN, the STAR’s likely rival in the next round. ABS-CBN is tied with RCBC at third place with 2-2 win-loss cards.

The top four teams after the single round elims advance to the semis, a crossover phase where the No. 1 team plays the No. 4 squad for one of the finals berths. The Nos. 2 and 3 teams dispute the other slot.

Expect Samboy "The Skywalker" Lim, Allan "The Triggerman" Caidic, Siot Tanquincen and Art dela Cruz to strut their wares again as they gear up for next week’s showdown and the championship on Dec. 8.

Admission is free in this event organized by The Star’s CEO Miguel Belmonte as part of the company’s effort to foster camaraderie and friendship among its advertisers and partners. — Joey Villar