Metrostars, Gems start title series

Gripping hardcourt drama unfolds in the Queen City of the South today when the Cebu Gems mix it up with tormentor and long-time nemesis Manila for the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) Intra-Conference crown.

Game One of the brief but explosive best-of-three titular series reels off at 4 p.m. at the Cebu City Coliseum, where staunch Cebuano fans are expected to come in full force to root for the Gems.

Supported by Cebuana-Lhuillier pawnshops, the Gems are currently riding the crest of an 11-game winning run, and are aiming to move a win closer to the crown and even up things with the Metrostars.

Manila captured last year’s National title after upending the Gems, 4-2, in the best of seven series. Cebu scored two of those wins at home.

Top center and defensive ace Romel Adducul and 1999 MVP Alex Compton may be formidable as ever in leading the Metrostars’ cause, but the Cebu five has recently proven its capability to clamp on opposing teams’ top gunners.

Versus Pasig-Rizal in the knockout semifinals last week, the Gems allowed the Pirates’ Bong Alvarez and Dorian Pena a combined output of 44 points, but only three in the final period to make it to the finals, 87-76.

"We still have to improve on our defensive adjustments against Manila but with the Cebuanos behind us, the team will be able to play with more heart," said Cebu had tactician Tonichi Yturri.