This came to fore when Giv and Welcoat pulled off identical one-sided victories over their respective rivals, who both brought twice-to-beat advantages into the semifinal round only to find themselves being dragged into a pair winner-take-all matches by their resilient foes.
The Soap Makers put to naught the Power Boosters’ solid 9-2 (win-loss) card from the elims up to the quarters by blasting the league’s top team, 58-34.
And the Paint Masters, out to keep their run of championship appearances, routed the Freezer Makers, 73-52, to force another sudden death.
Shark and Giv dispute the first berth at 3:30 p.m. while Welcoat and Ana Freezers collide at 5:30 p.m.
But expect the Power Boosters to come out strong this time on a team built around Rysal Castro, Chester Tolomia, Gilbert Malabanan, Michael Robinson and Warren Ybañez, who all vowed to bounce back from that miserable game.
"After talking to them minutes after we lost to Giv, they promised they will perform a lot better when we face each other again," said Shark coach Leo Austria, who steered the team to the PBL Challenge Cup crown last year.
Ana coach Rudy Mendoza said that his wards’ determination, more than anything else, will carry them to the finals for the first time since winning the 1998 Centennial Cup title over favorite Tanduay Gold.
"We don’t have the firepower like Welcoat but we make it up with heart and determination," said Mendoza.
Expected to carry the fight for the Freezer Makers are Anastacio Mendoza, Paul Artadi, Rey Mendez, Ronald Tubid and Ariel Capus and a small but hardworking frontline in Dondon Mendoza, Leo Vilar, Ariel De Castro and Roland Pascual.
"I believe we have the experience and the manpower to beat them again. What Ana has which we lacked is determination. We just "hope we have that," said Welcoat coach Junel Baculi. – Joey Villar