Game today
Mall of Asia Arena
Game 1, Best-of-Seven Series
7 p.m.- Alaska vs. Rain or Shine
It was not too long ago when these two teams figured in an epic series. Rain or Shine and Alaska cross paths once more in what could be another slam-bang showdown as they begin their best-of-seven semifinal series of the 40th PBA Philippine Cup today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
These two teams know each other well as they battled in a best-of-five semifinal series of last season’s Governors’ Cup.
Holding a 2-1 series lead, Alaska was on the verge of wrapping up the contest when an unfortunate incident took place in the dying seconds of Game 4.
Down to the last seconds of the game, Jvee Casio was all alone in a fastbreak play but stepped on a wet spot and slipped.
Rain or Shine capitalized on Alaska’s misfortune and went on to win the game in overtime and forced a sudden-death Game 5.
The Aces played without Sonny Thoss, Jvee Casio and Gabby Espinas in the deciding game but they gave the Elasto Painters all they could handle before yielding, 94-97.
The game was only sealed when Alaska import missed a potential game-tying triple as the final buzzer sounded. The three-point win sent the Elasto Painters to the finals where they lost to San Mig Coffee Mixers.
“They showed a lot of guts and a lot of tenacity even without their key players. We’re in the finals because it’s our destiny. It’s nice to be good, but it’s better to be lucky.
Sometimes in life you get things you don’t deserve, whether good or bad,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said then.
Guiao will be matched up once again against Alex Compton, who once served as the former’s assistant coach.
Compton is on his second conference as head coach of the Aces and in both times, the team made it to the semifinals.
Alaska took the long route in reaching the semis. They had to beat the NLEX Warriors in phase one of the quarterfinal round then survived a do-or-die duel with the Meralco Bolts in phase two.
Rain or Shine got a much-needed rest when it advanced to the semifinals outright after finishing the eliminations in the top with eight wins and three losses.
The two teams’ meeting in the eliminations was also a close one with the Elasto Painters nailing a thrilling 98-85 win.
The Aces, whose unforgiving defense brought them this far, will once again rely on Jvee Casio, Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio, Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel and Cebuano shooter Dondon Hontiveros.
The bench will also be a key factor for the Aces, who have been getting solid numbers from the revitalized Erik Menk, RJ Jazul, Chris Banchero.
Guiao is looking to finally win his first-ever All-Filipino crown and that bid will heavily rely on Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Ryan Araña.
The other semifinal series pits the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the San Miguel Beermen, who will start duel tomorrow.