PBA: Alaska Aces, San Miguel Beermen Bag Automatic Semifinals; Rain or Shine Fall to Third Slot

After Rain or Shine Elasto Painters fell to third slot last Saturday after losing to the NLEX road Warriors 111-106, the Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen can relax as they clench the two automatic semifinals slots .

AlaskaBeermenPhoto Credits to: Peter Baltazar

The Beermen fell in a dangerous spot last Tuesday after taking a beating from the Aces, dealing them their second loss out of 11 games and ending their seven-win streak. And with Rain or Shine and Alaska Aces tied at the second spot, the Beermen was in danger of losing their semifinals slot.

But luck was on the Beermen’s side after Rain or Shine lost to the NLEX Road Warriors 106-111 last Saturday to drop them to third place, averting a three-way battle for first place between the Aces, the Beermen, and the Painters.

The Aces, on the other hand, tied with the Beermen at 9-2 last Saturday after slaying the Barako Bulls 108-100.

Calvin Abueva posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and three assists while Vic Manuel added 21 points and seven rebounds against the bulls to lead Alaska to the crucial win.

Rain or Shine will face the Blackwater Elite int he first quarterfinals phase on December 26, while another Manila Clasico matchup will happen on Christmas day between the Ginebra San Miguel and Star Hotshots.

The Aces and the Beermen will take a break from the court during the quarterfinals battle.

Which team are you cheering for in the PBA?