Top seed Phoenix will finally get its acid test as it plunges into action against four-time defending champion San Miguel Beer in the semifinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
The Fuel Masters and the Beermen open their best-of-seven semis series with Game 1 slated at 6:30 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena with both of them seeking for the driver seat.
Phoenix is enjoying a splendid campaign so far, having their first-ever semis stint, while San Miguel is back in familiar territory.
“We’re serious in what we’re trying to achieve. We’re here to win it all,” said Jason Perkins, who is a steady force for the Fuel Masters.
“Our core players are used to this. We’re back here in the semifinals and we hope our experience can be our weapon,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
Phoenix dispatched Alaska, 91-76, right away in the quarterfinals on its first try to move forward while San Miguel, led by five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, got pushed to the limit before fully flexing its championship muscle.
The Beermen showed their championship swag by dominating TNT KaTropa, 96-86, in Game 3 of their best-of-three quarters series to advance.
If the two teams’ lone meeting in the conference thus far serves as a preview, then a barn-burner should be expected.
In one of the most thrilling games of the elimination round, Phoenix was able to top San Miguel, 96-93, to claim the top seed and show that it is ready for the big time.
The Fuel Masters hope that they can pick it up from there, while the Beermen are looking to turn the tides now that it matters more.
As of this time, No. 2 Rain or Shine and No. 6 Magnolia already started their own best-of-seven affair with both of them eyeing to score first.
