Alaska, Ginebra renew old-school PBA rivalry in first championship duel in 16 years

After 16 years, Alaska and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel meet again in the finals as Game One of the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five championship series unfolds Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The top seed Aces and the No. 7 ranked Kings clash at 7:30 p.m. in the series opener with both teams hoping to get an important 1-0 lead in their duel.

“It’s going to be an all-out war for us. This will be an exciting series. We’re just excited we’re here in the finals,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.

“Coach Luigi has a very strong team. His players are reacting to what he wants them to do.”

The Gin Kings had to survive four knockout games in the conference to reach the finals, beating Rain or Shine twice in the quarterfinals and overcoming the 2-1 lead of Talk ‘N Text in their best-of-five semis series.

Alaska, on the other hand, has been a picture of consistency in the tournament, dispatching Air 21 in the quarters and dethroning erstwhile defending champion San Mig Coffee in the semis in four games.

But Aces coach Luigi Trillo knows this is a brand new series and Ginebra poses the biggest threat in their bid to win their first PBA title since Tim Cone left two years ago.

“We’re gonna have our hands full against Ginebra. Coach Al has gotten the best out of his team. He’s one of the best motivators I know,” said Trillo, who is debuting in the finals in the league.

“True we found balance in building this team but Ginebra is going to be tough. I truly respect Ginebra.”

This is the fourth time both teams are meeting in the finals and first since the 1997 Commissioner’s Cup finale won by the Gin Kings, then known as Gordon’s Gin Boars under coach Robert Jaworski.

Alaska is eyeing its 14th PBA title while Ginebra is looking for its ninth, and first since the 2008 Fiesta Cup triumph with Chris Alexander as the team’s import.


SOURCE: Interaksyon

Dinomina tayo ng alaska during 90's, sana makabawe na tayo sa kanila ngayon.. renewed rivalry nung 90's