Beermen shoot for semis

San Miguel Beer, the elimination-round second placer and a team expected by many to end up challenging Tanduay Rhum in the finals, takes its turn to shoot for an early passage into the Alaxan PBA All-Filipino Cup Final Four as it goes up against Mobiline today at the Philsports Arena.

Alaska Milk, a team which could well figure in a duel with San Miguel for the right to play Tanduay in the finals, likewise guns for an outright semis berth as it takes on Pop Cola in the other game.

The Beermen and the Phone Pals clash in the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser, then the Milkmen and the 800s collide in the 7:30 p.m. mainer.

Like the Tanduay Rhum Masters, the Beermen and the Milkmen set out the outstanding favorites versus their respective quarterfinals foes as they enjoy a twice-to-beat privilege gained on their strong finish in the eliminations.

San Miguel and Alaska will set up a best-of-five semifinals showdown if they hurdle Mobiline and Pop Cola tonight.

The Rhum Masters clinched the first semis berth, gaining a crack at the finals against the winner of the Purefoods-Sta. Lucia matchup following a 101-78 rout of the Barangay Ginebra Kings Wednesday.

Tanduay coach Alfrancis Chua predicted a San Miguel-Alaska semis showdown, believing one of these two teams will end up challenging them in the finals.

"San Miguel at Alaska ang teams na kinatatakutan ko. Pero alam ko mas malaki ang takot nila sa amin," said Chua.