Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The last time Star faced San Miguel Beer, the Hotshots were still a different team with Tony Mitchell as their import.
The Hotshots lost to the Beermen, 103-97, back in the elimination round nearly two months ago.
A lot has changed since with Star replacing the athletic Mitchell with imposing big man Ricardo Ratliffe, who is in his second tour of duty with the Hotshots and has picked up where he left off.
READ: Star ousts Rain or Shine, books semis berth
The Hotshots are also on a roll since that April 16 meeting as they are currently on a seven-game winning streak heading into their best-of-five semifinals duel with the Beermen.
And shortly after sweeping Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, Ratliffe is already locked in on Star’s clash with San Miguel and his individual matchup with counterpart Charles Rhodes.
“They are really tall but I’ll just be ready for it. They have June Mar (Fajardo), Charles Rhodes, and Chris Ross, a deep team in every position. I think we match-up well though so it should be fun,” Ratliffe told reporters after posting 26 points, 24 rebounds and five assists in an 84-69 victory.
READ: Star blasts Rain or Shine, moves one win away from semis
“Yeah,” he said when asked if he’s ready to lock horns with Rhodes. “I’m ready for anybody. That should be a good matchup. We’ll see.”
Ratliffe said he’s familiar with Rhodes’ game having played against him several times in Korea.
“I played him against in Korea. Yeah, I beat him. Sometimes he beat me but I got a championship, he’s a good player though,” he said.
The 28-year-old Ratliffe is confident about Star’s chances against San Miguel but at the same time, he also knows the kind of challenge that lies ahead.
“Five games,” Ratliffe said in his prediction. “Of course [Star winning]. I’m pretty sure anybody in our locker room will say we’re gonna win. But it will be five games, a tough, grinding series. Two good teams matching-up so it’s gonna be five.”