INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—There was no prediction, only a guarantee of an exciting series from two teams that thrive on the run-and-gun style.

“The style and brand of play of Ginebra and Air21 are almost the same,” Air21 head coach Bo Perasol said Monday at the press conference hyping up the PBA Smart Fiesta Conference finals.

“To be intimidated is to be negative about the series. So I have to feel to be on equal footing with them (Gin Kings) as far as preparation.”

“We can assure that we will try our best to win the championship and that this will be an exciting series,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Express, who are making their first appearance in the finals since joining the league in 2002, and Gin Kings begin their best-of-seven series at 7:20 Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Perasol and Uichico begged off from making any prediction on how the series will play out.

“I have never been good in predicting whether it’s going to be a short or long series,” said Uichico, who is gunning for an eighth title and second with the Gin Kings.

Perasol said: “I would like it to be a short series in our favor but I think that’s highly improbable. But we will be there no matter how long the series will be.”

Air21 star Gary David believes the team that works extra hard on defense will have the edge.

“The challenge is on defense, especially on Mark (Caguioa), because he’s their top scorer,” David said. “If we play good defense, I think we have a good chance.”

Ginebra forward Junthy Valenzuela thinks the Gin Kings’ ability to stop the Express’ 1-2 punch of David and Most Valuable Player candidate Arwind Santos will also be critical in the series.

“Air21 has big wingmen. Hopefully, we could defend well because that will be the key in the finals,” said Valenzuela, who was shipped from Red Bull early in the tournament.

After dropping their first five games in the conference, the Gin Kings resuscitated their title aspiration by racking up 12 straight wins to reach the finals

The Kings swept Red Bull, 4-0, in the semifinals, marking the 17th time that a San Miguel-owned team will play in the Finals. The Gin Kings are gunning for an eighth conference crown.

The Express, for their part, overcame the Magnolia Beverage Masters, 4-2, in their own semis duel.