Aces, E-Painters start semis duel

CEBU, Philippines – Rain or Shine and Alaska Milk, two competitive independent teams proudly providing tough challenge to the mighty SMC and MVP blocs, engage in a repeat of their recent PBA Governors Cup Final Four showdown, beginning their rematch at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City tonight.The Elasto Painters chase a third straight Philippine Cup finals while the Aces pursue a first all-Filipino finals in five years as they start their best-of-seven semis faceoff at 7 p.m.

The other Final Four pairing pits the flagship teams of the SMC and the MVP Groups – San Miguel Beer and Talk n Text — commencing their own duel at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the same venue.

The Elasto Painters and the Aces figure in a return bout with practically the same lineups that clashed in an epic best-of-five semis series last June.

Rain or Shine sets out with exactly the same roster as rookie Jericho Cruz got injured in practice. Alaska, meanwhile, has got one significant change in Chris Banchero.

The E-Painters, the playoffs second seeds, are fresh from a 10-day respite while the Aces ride the momentum their conquests of the NLEX Road Warriors and the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals.

Odds are about even, and the protagonists are both confident they’re ready for battle.

“We have a pretty good idea on how to play Alaska which has had great success with its approach to the game,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

The Aces are as optimistic they know how to deal with the scrappy Elasto Painters and their relentless game.

“We’ll toughen up on defense, and whoever five are on the floor will fight to the end,” said Alaska energy guy Calvin Abueva.

To many, the result of their previous Final Four matchup wasn’t conclusive with Rain or Shine barely stealing the deciding match on a freak slip by Jvee Casio on a breakaway layup.

This rematch could settle the issue.

“Handang-handa na kami (We’re ready),” said Guiao, unafraid of losing any edge on a long break after their outright semifinal entry.

“In fact we feel it’s given us a much needed rest to refresh us for the grueling series ahead. It’s going to be an exciting series which can go seven games,” Guiao pointed out.

Both teams have a deep bench ready for a long, tough grind. Guiao has got at his disposal Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, JR Quinahan, Jervy Cruz, Jonathan Uyloan, Gabe Norwood, TY Tang, Jeric Teng, Jireh Ibanes, Chris Tiu and Ryan Arana while Alaska has a solid core group including Abueva, Casio, Banchero, Vic Manuel, Dondon Hontiveros, Cyrus Baguio, Eric Menk, Sonny Thoss, RJ Jazul and Tony dela Cruz.

Alaska coach Alex Compton foresees the same classic matches they churned out in their last semis encounter.

They figured in five well-fought matches then with the Elasto Painters escaping with a 97-94 triumph in the deciding Game Five. Two other games could have gone either way, decided by a field-goal basket in the end.

In their elimination-round meeting this conference, Rain or Shine also gained big breaks at the finish and squeezed out a 98-95 victory. — Philippine STAR News Service (FREEMAN)