The Tigers ripped the Express, 91-83, while the Aces rapped the Thunder, 95-87, to set up a rematch of their All-Filipino Cup title playoff last year.
The Tigers and the Aces dispute the Invitational crown in a best-of-three series beginning with Game One at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Astrodome.
Jeffrey Cariaso missed by one his career-high 35 points and spearheaded their efficient attack in the third quarter as the Tigers overcame a sluggish first half for a return stint in the PBA finals.
"We’re trying to put up a tradition. Part of it is getting to the finals as much as we can. That’s why I’m so happy with this victory," said coach Chot Reyes, whose Tigers ruled the 2002 All-Filipino and gained runner-up honors in the first conference this season.
The Tigers came out roaring from the halftime huddle, zooming ahead at 65-57 after trailing by five, 35-40, at the turn.
The Express waged their own chase in the fourth quarter but the Tigers proved durable in the stretch, completing the win that gave them a crack at a second title in only their fifth conference in the league.
"I have to give it to the boys. Masyado ko silang pinahirapan that in this game they can just stay in the corner or come out and show me what they’ve got," said Reyes.
Reyes made special mention of Cariaso, Poch Juinio and Johnny Abarrientos.
Cariaso made 24 of his 34 points in the second half while Juinio tallied 14 of his 16 in the same stretch.
The Express settled for a fight for third place. But whatever the outcomet, it will be the team’s best finish in the league thus far. — Nelson Beltran