INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines—Air21 will play in the Philippine Basketball Association’s grandest stage for the first time. And like any underdog in any sport, the Express are trying to shut out the factors going against them this early.

Ginebra, on the other hand, has not tasted defeat in more than eight weeks and the Gin Kings will be coming off sweeps of their last two foes when they start their Smart PBA Fiesta Cup title series with the Express Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Already ranged against a talented Ginebra crew soaking in championship tradition, the relatively inexperienced Express will also have to deal with a pro-Kings crowd capable of producing an ear-splitting din that has frazzled many an opponent’s nerves.

Shutting out that cheer factor—which is easier said than done—would amount to half the battle won for Air21.

No team in the league has ever enjoyed such one-sided idolatry like this Ginebra side and Air21 coach Bo Perasol and his Express would need more than ear plugs to be able to keep their focus on the job at hand.

Championship experience is another factor, with the Kings soaked in it right from the top: Head coach Jong Uichico is one of the winningest coaches in the league today in terms of titles.

The Express are seeking their first title in franchise history—and they’ll have to go the hard route to accomplish that feat.

After Arwind Santos, no Air21 player has big league championship experience. And even then, the MVP candidate Santos had his while in college, when he led Far Eastern University to two UAAP titles in three tries.

Ginebra has Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, Eric Menk, Junthy Valenzuela—the list goes on—with legitimate PBA championship experience. These players having played vital roles in winning titles for the Kings. And, in Valenzuela’s case, for Red Bull.

Even import Steven Thomas, in an interview after closing out Magnolia, 4-2, in the semifinals, told everyone that he has never been in this position before, and that is to win a championship for his team.

But Perasol refused to be cowed.

“To feel intimidated is to feel negative,” Perasol said Monday during the title series’ media conference. “In our company, we have a motto, and that is to ‘deliver no matter what.’”

The atmosphere has turned to the typical favorite-underdog scenario, with Uichico the one playing it safe and refusing to be labeled the favorites.

“We’re on equal footing,” Uichico, the winner of six championships, one with the Kings, said. “Our edge in the championship experience factor is such a small thing.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull and Magnolia dispute third place in the 4:50 p.m. appetizer.

The Kings will again ride their ‘Fast and Furious’ tandem of Caguioa and Helterbrand and the efficient Chris Alexander, their 7-foot giant who seems to be a perfect match for Thomas.