SMC, Star are fancied in semis

San Miguel Corp. and host The Star try to arrange a showdown for the Philippine Star Friendship League title as they take on separate opponents today in the semifinal round of the inaugural event at the Meralco gym.

Bannered by ex-pros Allan Caidic, Samboy Lim, Art de la Cruz and Siot Tanquincen, the San Miguel squad clashes with RCBC in the 9 a.m. opener, while The Star collides with ABS-CBN at 10:30 a.m.

SMC and The Star finished 1-2 in the single round elims and both teams are fancied to prevail over their respective rivals and dispute the championship in the league put up by The Star president and CEO Miguel Belmonte to foster camaraderie and friendship among its advertisers and partners.

The Starmen, managed by Kevin Belmonte and supported by Adidas, fashioned out an 80-61 romp over ABS-CBN in the league’s opener but the latter, a five-time Bibato champion, bounced back to emerge as a title contender.