Let the Semis Begin!

The LS Banal Cup held at YMCA Akoranga has reached the semi final stage. Tournament format calls for the 4 teams in the semis to go through another round robin. Their win loss records are carried over to the next round so every game counts.

League leader CMR/Manila Motors who topped the elimination round with 7 wins and only one loss (against JR Panel Beaters) is expected to barge into the finals. The Money Transferers 2-6 record means they cannot make it to the finals even if they win all their 3 games. This means they will be limited to a spoiler's role and will play for pride. However, any team that LM beats will impact that team's chances of making it to the finals. LM Money Transferers gave all three teams a good fight during the elimination stage, so don't be surprised if they do score an upset.

The other two teams Dimond/Ampelite and JR Panel are both in the running for a finals slot as well. Manila Motors with their 7-1 record is the favorite to take the first slot, in spite of a slight possibility of still being eliminated. Dimond and JR Panel with 6-2 and 5-3 cards respectively will be playing hard over the next 3 weekends to catch up with CMR.

The first game will pit CMR/Manila Motors against LM Money Transferers. In their first 2 encounters the Transferers were able to keep up with the West based team for most part of the game. But come 4th quarter, CMR lifts their defensive game a notch higher enough to win the game. This time around we are sure Coach John Senfelices will not leave anything to chance and will remind his boys what's at stake. Expect West to dominate early and take control of the game.

The second game is a different story. With both teams vying for a finals slot and their team standings only a game apart the significance of this match is huge for both squads. For sure both teams will be on the edge. These 2 teams know each other very well. Dimond our defending champs, having won the last 2 years is aiming for a rare threepeat. However their chances were seriously hampered when 7 of their players  jumped ship. MVP contender Kris Patriarca moved back to his original team Manila Motors while the other 6 players led by last year's finals MVP Dennis Lorenzo moved to JR Panel.

New team JR Panel can have a cinderella finish if they make it to the finals and win the championship. The Panelbeaters definitely have the capability to do this. During the elimination round, these 2 teams faced each other twice. Basketball observers noted that in those 2 games which Dimond won, the defending champs were lucky to face the Panelbeaters on their off day. This time around it is anybody's ball game. Bench wise, Coach Tong Fiel has the edge with a deeper line up, anyone on JR Panel's team can be in the starting five of any other team.

The team that can maintain their composure and just play their game will have huge advantage. Expect this to be another nail biter. See you at the games!