Best-of-three quarterfinal wars unfold today

It’s the defending champion going up against a dangerous upstart of a challenger on one side and powerhouse teams reliving a sibling rivalry on the other as the KFC PBA Philippine Cup begins the best-of-three quarterfinal duels today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Sta. Lucia Realty presses its bid for a title-repeat while Rain or Shine hopes to sustain its breakthrough performance as they start their showdown at 5 p.m.

Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer clash in the other quarterfinals pairing, disputing the right to carry the fight for the SMC group in the All-Filipino tourney.

“The team spirit is high although we’re up against a young, tough team. We’re looking to come out strong and be ready with Rain or Shine’s zone defense,” said coach Boyet Fernandez whose team is aspiring to be the first ball club to defend an All-Filipino crown since Great Taste did the feat in 1984-85.

Out to quash Sta. Lucia’s bid is the Rain or Shine team which is on a impressive run, riding high on the exploits of young, talented players Gabe Norwood, Sol Mercado, JayR Reyes, Ryan Arana and TY Tang.

“We have a positive attitude going to tomorrow’s (today’s) match. It’s a difficult task but we’re coming with a lot of faith in ourselves,” said coach Caloy Garcia whose team is in the playoff phase for the first time since joining the league in 2006.