BATTLE FOR AGES

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A tough call. A toss-up. Anybody’s game.

That’s the consensus as Petron Blaze and San Mig Coffee dispute the PBA Governors’ Cup crown in a best-of-seven series beginning Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

It’s a fitting finale between two powerhouse squads that have been on dominant rides from the elimination round of the season-ending tourney.

And it’s a series that’s long time in the making. For despite their rich talents, resources and competitiveness, it’s the first time they’re slugging it out in the finals in 13 years.

They have won a combined number of 28 championships, but it’s the first time they reached the finals together since San Miguel Beer (now Petron) and Purefoods (now San Mig Coffee) fought it out for the 2000 Governors’ Cup crown.

Petron, the league’s winningest ball club, chases a 20^th crown while San Mig Coffee guns for a 10^th title that would make it fourth in the ladder behind Petron, Alaska (14) and Crispa (13).  San Mig currently shares fourth spot with Toyota.

A special place in league history is at stake for coaches Tim Cone and Gee Abanila.

Cone is taking a second crack at matching coach Baby Dalupan’s all-time best record of 15 championships while Abanilla is on line to be only the seventh coach to win a PBA crown in their first conference in the league.

“These two teams, without a doubt, are the most consistent team in the conference, and it’s not surprising that they’re meeting in the finals,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud during the pre-finals press conference Wednesday at Sambokojin restaurant in Eastwood City, Quezon City.

All those present in the event expected a war.

“Labanan todo ito. Walang sister team-sister team dito,” said San Mig Coffee main man James Yap.

“Pukpukan ‘to,” said Petron top gun Arwind Santos.

“I have played against coach Tim in the finals and they beat us. He’s a good coach, good at making adjustments in every direction. But coach Gee is also good on adjustments. It’s gonna be a coaching battle and I’m happy to be part of it,” said Petron playmaker Alex Cabagnot.

Marcus Blakely and Alex Mallari are extra motivated in this finale.

Blakely is out to finish an unfinished business while Mallari is determined to beat his former team.

“Last year was a disappointment for me and my team. Back here and having another shot is a good opportunity for me,” said Blakely, coming up a game short of leading the Mixers to the championship last year.

“I hate them all,” said Mallari of the team that shipped him out after the Philippine Cup.

Both coaches tried to paint their teams as the underdogs.

“Petron hasn’t really had a hard time. They’ve been in smooth sailing. They’re really gonna be a tough opponent for us. We’ll be the underdogs, but we’ll take on that and go at them,” said Cone.

“They’re deep and coach Tim (Cone) has been around for a long time aiming for a 15^th championship. It says a lot. This series against San Mig Coffee is really cut out for us,” said Abanilla.

Whatever, it’s looks like a dream series.

Petron and San Mig Coffee
have lived up to their potential and now raring to go all the way to dream land. (SB)

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