PBA Final Four: Survival of the fittest

The wear and tear of the long-drawn cage war seem to be taking their toll on the surviving teams for the Samsung PBA All-Filipino Cup that the fight for the coveted crown seems to hinge on how the contenders could stay healthy and intact to the very end.

Fact is that Sta. Lucia Realty, Coca-Cola, Talk N Text and Alaska Milk set out for Game Three of the semifinal playoffs today at the Philsports Arena all having key players who are doubtful starters.

There’s Kenneth Duremdes for the Realtors, Johnny Abarrientos and William Antonio for the Tigers, Vic Pablo for the Phone Pals and Brandon Cablay for the Aces.

The long grind has actually set up the four teams into their 24th game each in the tournament now on its fourth month.

Each team goes for the pivotal second win in the two best-of-five series after Sta. Lucia and Alaska got back at Coca-Cola and Talk N Text, respectively, in Game Two Sunday.

"It’s now a battle of who stays healthiest to the end. The rigors of the tourney are taking its effect but it’s part of the tourney. Kahit sa NBA nangyayari iyan," said Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes.

"Si Johnny (Abarrientos) puedeng pilitin, pero si William (Antonio) very questionable," said Reyes on the status of his two injured players. Abarrientos is nursing an ankle injury while Antonio a pulled hamstring.

While Abarrientos and Antonio are nursing their injuries, Duremdes’ bid to suit up anew seems to improve day by day but Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua said he would still keep his ace forward on the bench if there’s still the risk of aggravating his strained calf muscle.

With Abarrientos and Antonio injured, Reyes said they have lost their advantage on bench depth against the Realtors. "Match-up sa first five, lamang na lamang ang Sta. Lucia. Paparehas lang sana kami kung isasama mo ang next five namin," said Reyes.

With the present status of his team, Reyes said the key to their game now is to outlast the Realtors. "Kung sasabayan mo lang ang effort nila, hindi pwede. We have to play with a lot of efforts kasi kapag naglaro ng maganda si Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino, kahit wala pa si Kenneth wala kaming laban," Reyes pointed out.

"In Game Two, we showed tremendous effort in the fourth quarter. Medyo na-late, pero muntik pa namin silang abutin. We have to put on that fourth-quarter pace from the start to beat them," Reyes added.

For Talk N Text, Pablo is doubtful starter because of a leg injury sustained in the early stages of Game One. Coach Joel Banal opted to sit him out in Game Two.

"His chance to play is still 50-50. But we’re not losing hope. Noong Game Two, wala siya, pero dumikit pa rin kami," said Banal. "May tsansa pa rin. We just have to find a way to beat Alaska even without Vic."

Alaska seems the least hit with injuries with John Arigo and Mike Cortez stepping up their games with Brandon Cablay hobbled by a sprained ankle.

Arigo erupted for 32 points while Cortez added 19 as the Aces repulsed the Phone Pals, 86-77, Sunday.

The Realtors drew level with the Tigers with a 90-87 win also Sunday as Marlou Aquino rose to the occasion, making 31 points.