MANILA — For the first time since their memorable 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Finals clash, the Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen will face off again in a playoff series.
The Aces and the Beermen opened their best-of-five Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Saturday night as the league resumes play at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The game will mark their first playoff showdown since SMB rallied back from 0-3 down to capture the Philippine Cup title from Alaska.
The core of the so-called “Beeracle” team, led by stars Junemar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Marcio Lassiter plus import Renaldo Balkman, however, is expected to be wary about the vastly-improved Vic Manuel, who has become the Aces’ spark plug following the team suspension on Calvin Abueva.
In fact, Manuel scored the game-winning basket when Alaska subdued SMB in Dumaguete on May 19.
Also on the lookout is Diamon Simpson, who has been efficient as replacement to Antonio Campbell. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)