Pro-league expects tough rivalries in PBA semis

01/13/2009

A rematch of protagonists in a memorable semifinals series and a matchup pitting two of the Philippine Basketball Association’s powerhouse ball clubs.

The KFC Philippine Cup Final Four couldn’t have been this better.

Defending champion Sta. Lucia relives its budding rivalry with top rank Alaska while no. 2 seed Talk ‘N Text clashes with surging survivor San Miguel Beer in an exciting pair of best-of-seven showdown serving as a fitting climax to the season-opening meet.

“Pampagana pa lang `yung wild card and quarterfinals series natin because the semifinals are even more exciting. So I hope PBA fans would enjoy it,” said league commissioner Sonny Barrios.

The Final Four series begins tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum, barely three days after the Beermen came back from 21-points down to ousts the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 98-93, in their thrilling knockout game for the last semifinals berth.

Dondon Hontiveros sizzled during the best-of-three series, averaging 27.7 points per game, on 52.4 percent shooting from three-point range and 50 percent shooting from the floor.

Against Talk ‘N Text, the 6-foot-2 Cebuano gunner is expected to engage in a shooting duel with league scoring leader Mac Mac Cardona.

A subplot to the match up is the meeting between Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes and San Miguel, the same team he steered to a runner up finish in the same tournament two years ago, ditto with Beerman Jay Washington up against his former teammates after the Tropang Texters traded the 6-foot-7 center to their rival franchise prior to the start of the season.

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