FANS ON THE PBA FINALS

For my Manila Standard Column 8/6/10

Surviving Bgy. Ginebra in the Quarterfinals was not easy. Beating the Talk and Text in the Semifinals was tough. Going up against San Miguel in the PBA Fiesta Conference Finals is a challenge and a half but the Alaska Aces ready to spoil the Beermen’s 31st finals appearance and attempt at a 19th title.

The best of 7 battle starts today, after the 3rd placer is to be determined in a single match between the top ranking Tropang Texters and the All-Filipino Champs B-meg Derby Ace Llamados. Since PBA fans have been fervent about rooting for their favoured finalist, this column is dedicated to sharing with you some of the thoughts they have sent via my twitter page @patriciahizon with the #pbafinals hashtag.

@irvyness I’ll go for SMB :) they have a deeper bench and a bigger lineup compared to ALA @superkgirl SMB will win! they have what it takes. yes, they’re a strong team on paper but they have proven they can bring it on court
@taleweaver I'm betting on Alaska. SMB just feels too much like a fantasy league roster. Too many stars no role players.
@83chat Aces! For the Jet! Best way to finish his final year with PBA
@MikeTanYu I’m going with Alaska to win the #pbafinals. It would be nice for Cariaso to retire with a championship
@crystonite San Miguel Beermen - they are consistent and even with all the superstars, they're better at working as a team
@angel17raine SMB ftw! they've shown a lot of heart while playing lately, good remembrance for Olsen who will retire anytime soon.
@seige_cerillo I think Alaska will win the #pbafinals because of the balance and chemistry among them.They prove that they can bring A against powerful TNT
@sancho_calonia SMB has a better lineup. Pero bilog ang bola. I believe Alaska will win the Championship
@DeeMaryClaire its SMB, eventhough mahirap na kalaban ang Aces but with team effort and galing ng Beermen plus the intensity.
@dreiuszeiy14 If Arwind Santos can stop Diamond Simpson from getting big game(s), it’s possible. And also with points plus rebounding help coming from JayWash and the leading best import Gabe Freeman. But anything can happen.
@blackporcupine San Miguel will win the finals because their lineup is so strong and is primed to win the title this conference.
@granxe the one who controls the board will win the #pbafinals. I hope SMB can contain the rebounds like what they’ve done in the semis.
@kevin_see SMB will win this one for three main reasons, Arwind's first, Freeman Impact, and Olsen's farewell championship!
@MarraAlyssa definitely SMB. intensity, teamwork and of course HEART that defines the Beermen
@marcusjarwin SMB. Better defensive team.They have men who can defend alaska's main guns.But that alaska system is amazing! Gabe Freeman's ENERGY really makes the difference for SMB.Averaging 20-20(pts&rebs) in the semis is a testament to that.
@tjvalenton SMB will win this one. They have proven that they can shutdown their opponents and hit the lights out at the same time
@dahreel For me, the series is good for the league. Both teams deserve to win. SMB because of its consistency all throughout the season and Alaska because it went through the eye of the needle to get to the finals. Whoever wins, fans are the true winners.. Shows that having an all-star lineup does not guarantee a title. Defense, chemistry and discipline is key and both teams have them.


About 59% of all who tweeted their opinions say San Miguel will win the title. Still the Alaska fans insist that they’ll give the Beermen a run for their money. Going for their 13th championship trophy, the Uytengsu-owned franchise is one of the few teams that stayed intact all throughout the conference – no import changes, no coaching shifts. Though the Beermen may have had some confusion towards the end of the elimination rounds with the “on the job training” of Coach Ato Agustin pinning Coach Siot Tanquincen on the bench, they too have stuck it out with Freeman, who’s the reigning best import and vows to deliver the team’s back to back Fiesta Conference title.

Certainly this series will be full of flavour. Be up to speed with the PBA finals by following www.twitter.com/patriciahizon and www.patriciahizon.blogspot.com