SMB, Ginebra eye semis

Games Saturday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 3 p.m. – San Miguel vs Terrafirma 6:15 p.m. – Ginebra vs Magnolia

San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra eye a quick route to the semifinals as they take on their respective quarterfinal opponents in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup playoffs at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, May 11.

Both wearing twice-to-beat armors, the Beermen aim to end the dream run of the eighth seed Terrafirma Dyip in the 3 p.m. contest which serves as the curtain raiser for the quarterfinals edition of the Manila Clasico in the second game.

In one of the rare occasions in their storied rivalry, the No. 2 Kings can easily dispatch their bitter rival and No. 7 Magnolia Hotshots with a victory in the 6:15 p.m. showdown.

While Ginebra emerges as the overwhelming favorite in the quarters collision, the Kings are not resting on their laurels, knowing full well that if there’s a team that could and has the tool to overcome a twice-to-win

disadvantage, that should be Magnolia.

That’s exactly why head coach Tim Cone wants to make it quick and not let the Hotshots get any sort of momentum that could derail the Kings’ supposed semis entry.

The multi-titled mentor is banking on stars Christian Standhardinger and Scottie Thompson to once again provide the tip to the Ginebra’s spear especially that it is still missing the services of athletic wingman Jamie Malonzo.

Magnolia, on the other hand, is expected to put the roller-coaster eliminations campaign, where it surprisingly fell to the seventh spot, behind and keep its focus on its bid for survival.

To do so, Paul Lee, who’s been lackluster in the past few games for the Hotshots, should return to his old, lethal ways to provide support to the veterans Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang.

Facing a similar challenge in the opening game is Terrafirma, only that the Dyip are coming into their own affair against the Beermen brimming with confidence after finally making it to their very first PH Cup playoff appearance.

BPC contender Stephen Holt and team’s scoring leader Juami Tiongson are out to lead the Dyip anew as they vow to put up a fight against the mighty Beermen and not let their own fairy tale story cut shot in just one game in the postseason.