INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Battle-weary yet pumped up by tough quarterfinal victories, Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods clash with Alaska and San Miguel, respectively, in Game 1 of separate best-of-seven semifinal series on Wednesday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Gin Kings, who prevailed over Talk ?N Text in a highly emotional quarterfinal series, take the floor against the well-rested Aces at 5 p.m. The TJ Giants, who disposed of Rain or Shine, battle the second-seeded Beermen in the second game.

Alaska coach Tim Cone, whose team lost four of its last six games to close out the elimination round, believes his team has handled the three-week layoff well.

?Long layoffs are always a factor, but unlike the Christmas break, I feel we?ve prepared very well during this recent break and we?re ready to play at a high level,? Cone said.

It will be the first time in 13 years that the Ginebra franchise plays a best-of-seven series against Alaska. Then known as Gordon?s Gin Boars, they nipped Alaska, 4-2, in the 1997 Commissioners Cup finals.

Coming off a five-game series where they fought back from 0-2 down, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said fatigue will surely be a factor in the series.

?Being in great shape is so important,? said Uichico. ?I need to do a good job of pacing the players.?

San Miguel has likewise not played a game in three weeks and coach Siot Tanquingcen hopes his team comes out sharp in Game 1. Cedelf P. Tupas