THE brewing rivalry resumes.
For the second straight conference, San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine meet in the semifinals.
This time, they will figure in a best-of-seven clash to see which teams moves forward in the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup playoffs.
The two powerhouse teams start hostilities with Game 1 at 7 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with both squads aiming to draw first blood.
Continuing to show their dominance, the defending champions Beermen jumped straight to the semis after compiling a league-best 9-2 record in the elimination round in a tie with Alaska. SMB ended up as the No. 2 seed.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine played consistently at a high level, but was forced to go a through a more difficult path towards the semis after it only managed to finish at No. 3 at the end of the eliminations.
But the veteran team that they are, the Elasto Painters instead rose to the occasion and got past the obstacles that they faced in both phases of the quarterfinals.
Rain or Shine first bested Blackwater in a tough game in the first phase before posting an impressive rout of Talk ‘N Text in the second phase to eventually clinch another berth in the semifinals for the eighth straight conference, the longest active streak in the league.
Painters coach Yeng Guiao feels that his squad is all hyped up and ready to dance with San Miguel in the semis.
‘’Mas naging ready kami now for the semis. Our quarterfinals experience toughened us going to the semis,’’ said Guiao. ‘’San Miguel will be a tough team to beat but we’re ready.’’
Another thing going for Rain or Shine is that its superstar Paul Lee, who was sidelined for most of the season because of a knee injury, is set to return and make his season debut against the Beermen.
“We wanted Paul (Lee) to contribute. He’s just aching to play,’’ said Guiao as he confirmed that his prized guard is all set to play in the semifinals.
For San Miguel coach Leo Austria, whose team will be led by two-time reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, it’s all about staying focused.
“Basta we maintain our focus lang on offense and defense at we’ll have a chance,’’ said Austria. ‘’We need to match Rain or Shine’s intensity.’’
Game Today
(Game 1, Semifinals – Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City):
7 p.m. – San Miguel vs. Rain or Shine