Best-of-7 semis fires off at the Big Dome

They are eight games away from becoming the first all-Pinoy repeat champions in 24 years but right now that is not the concern of Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez .

At the moment, his priority is to get his troops in excellent condition – mentally and physically – in anticipation of a long and grinding semifinal series against Alaska.

The Realtors’ state of health isn't exactly depressing but with Dennis Espino (coming off a bout with flu), Kelly Williams (coming off a bout with flu/hospitalized Monday night due to severe migraine) and Ryan Reyes (back spasms) still recovering from various illnesses, Fernandez certainly has reason to worry.

"Our condition will play a big role on how the series will evolve. And right now my key personnel are not a hundred percent healthy so in the meantime we'll see what happens in Game 1," Fernandez said.

The defending champions, he stressed, are ready to rumble even without the "The Big Three".

"I am very confident about my players' ability and competitive fire. They have proven it many times before that they can get the job done even without Dennis, Kelly and Ryan."

The well-rested Aces and the Realtors begin their 2008-09 KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series at 5 Wednesday afternoon at the Araneta Coliseum.

The other semifinal showdown pitting San Miguel Beer and Talk N Text is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Because the Aces are the top defensive team of the conference, Fernandez anticipates a defense oriented series.
"It will be an exciting series. I have a strong feeling that whichever team executes well on defense and wins Game 1 will most likely win the series," Fernandez said.

The Realtors rank third on defense.

SLR has three goals coming into Game 1: Limit Alaska to 90 points or below, contain Willie Miller and try to disrupt Alaska's triangle.

"If we could accomplish those tasks, we have a chance," Fernandez said.

Obviously, Fernandez knows it's easier said than done. Especially against a team with an injury-free and well-rested line-up.

"We've been off a long time so the guys are really eager to play. We've prepared hard so we'll find out how well that preparations translate on the court," said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

Alaska is coming off a two-week break after emerging as topnotcher of the elimination round that earned for the team an outright berth in the Final Four.

Cone better hope the long rest wouldn't turn the Aces rusty.

The Alaska-Sta. Lucia showdown is a rematch of last year's semifinal eventually won by the Realtors in seven games en route to the championship.

No team in the league has repeat as All-Filipino championship since Great Taste accomplished the feat in 1984 and 85. The legendary Crispa Redmanizers were the only other team to win back-to-back AFC in 1979-80 and 1983-84.

For their part, the Beermen are aiming for their first championship in four seasons. SMB, the league's winningest club with 17 championships, won its last title in the 2004-05 Fiesta Conference.

SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen said it would be "tough" playing TNT because they are loaded at every position.
"TNT is a great offensive team. So we really have to play good defense and play smart on offense,” Tanquingcen said.

The Beermen will be playing without starting point guard Olsen Racela, who is serving a one game suspension after being called for flagrant foul 2 during their do-or-die game against Barangay Ginebra last Sunday. (DBC)


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