Different look in PBA semis

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday the new playo format in the ongoing Governors’ Cup will trigger more exciting games with matchups that could defy tradition.

- JOAQUIN HENSON

The usual scheme of crossover quarterfinal pairings where No. 1 plays No. 4 and No. 2 plays No. 3 in separate best-of- ve series was used to reward the top group placers with the incentive of facing the lowest-ranked teams.

In the semi nals, the winner of Group A No. 1-Group B No. 4 meets the winner of Group B No. 1-Group A No. 4 while the winner of Group A No. 2-Group B No. 3 battles the winner of Group B No. 2-Group A No. 3. The semi nal pairings mean the top seeds of both groups may clash before the nals. The semi nals and

nals are best-of-seven a airs so the format guarantees a battle royale either way.