Final 4: Aces battle Kings; Beermen face Giants

 MANILA, Philippines - Outright semifinalists Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer take on quarterfinal survivors Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods, respectively, hoping to come out in full throttle after a long lull against teams coming off a pair of sudden death showdowns in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

No team has successfully defended the all-Filipino crown for the 25th straight year, and Alaska, San Miguel, Purefoods and Ginebra are left to dispute the throne vacated by deposed champion Talk n Text.

The playoff seeding ran true to form with fourth ranked Ginebra setting up a semifinal showdown with top seed Alaska Milk and No. 3 Purefoods arranging a separate semis duel with second seed San Miguel Beer.

The Kings and the Aces collide at 5 p.m. before the Giants and the Beermen mix it up at 7:30 p.m. in Game One of a pair of best-of-seven series.

All four teams brace for a fierce battle in a bid to get a shot at the coveted all-Filipino championship and the Emilio “Jun” Bernardino Trophy.

The Aces and the Beermen have fresh legs coming from a long layoff while the Kings and the Giants remain fired up despite gruelling runs in the quarterfinals.

“Despite the fact that we’re the No. 1 seed, we’ll see us as the underdogs against Ginebra. But we’re comfortable with the mindset that we’re better than what people think. We believe we’re going to win,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“Our road is the toughest, playing teams which figured in the all-Filipino championship last year. We need to find ways to win again,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“We’re 0-2 against San Miguel and they’re seeded higher than us. But we play tough when our back is against the wall. The goal is to win and go to the finals,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Playing Purefoods is always tough. They have the height and quickness and they have guys who can light up the board. We have to make sure we play smart and come in with a lot of energy,” SMB mentor Siot Tanquingcen.

He also stressed they’re playing Purefoods in an entirely new series and with the Giants back with a complete lineup.

The Beermen, the pre-tournament heavy favorites with their star-studded, talent-laden lineup, walloped the Giants by an average margin of 16.5 points in their two elimination-round games.

Purefoods star James Yap said San Miguel has always been a tough match-up, noting his own duel with Dondon Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade and Denok Miranda.

“They’re all highly physical. I have to prepare myself for a bruising battle,” said Yap, who had to step up in giving the injury-hit Purefoods a lift in their quarters duel with the Rain or Shine side led by young, energetic guards in Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood. – Nelson Beltran