Battle of the ages

When you call a sports competition a "battle of the ages," you usually refer to an encounter that pits two titans with timeless implications like a confrontation between giants transcending generations. In the PBA, it takes a somewhat different meaning, considering there are six players who are in their 40s and nine more who are 38 and over but less than 40.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

So when Magnolia faced TNT in the Philippine Cup game at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Friday, it was a literal "battle of the ages" as Rafi Reavis, 47, and Kelly Williams, 43, were on opposite sides. Not surprisingly, both veterans played big roles in the contest which the Hotshots won, 88-83, to claim a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals starting Wednesday.