INQUIRER Sports

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

5:00 p.m.- Alaska vs. Brgy. Ginebra

7:30 p.m.- San Miguel vs. Purefoods

TWO TEAMS try to shake off some rust as a result of a long layoff while two other squads try to overcome fatigue after figuring in a pair of energy-zapping series that both went the distance as the semifinal round of the 35th PBA Philippine Cup unfolds today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Alaska Aces go up against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, while the San Miguel Beermen take on the Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs at the start of what is expected to be a blockbuster best-of-seven Final Four round.

Alaska and San Miguel took at least a three-week rest after qualifying to the semis outright for finishing one and two after the 18-game elimination round.

Ginebra and Purefoods, on the other hand, figured in a grueling best-of-five quarterfinal round where they had to survive do-or-die games before pulling through.

The Kings dethroned the defending champions Talk N Text Tropang Texters in a controversial series that saw the Texters walk out in Game Four.

The walkout aided Ginebra as it clawed back from a 0-2 series deficit to clinch a Final Four slot.

The Giants, on the other hand, secured their own semis berth by fending off a gallant stand by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Purefoods jumped to a 2-0 series lead but Rain or Shine came back to tie the series.

James Yap exploded for 28 points in the deciding Game 5 that bailed Purefoods out of danger.

Alaska and Ginebra split their elimination round meetings while San Miguel swept Purefoods in their two encounters in the initial round. Editorial Assistant Calvin Cordova