But at the start of the semifinal round, the San Miguel coaching staff decided to replaced Chievous after a spat with some of his teammates.
In the All-Filipino Conference, the Beermen finish second in the eliminations and a game behind defending champion Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs, which top the standings with eight wins and two losses.
Both teams won their first three outings in the semifinals and the Uncolas were riding high on a four-game winning streak before their match.
[2] October 11: Kenny Travis scored 52 points as San Miguel beat defending champion Alaska, 118-115, for only their second win in six games into the Third Conference.
[3] November 8: The Beermen unleashed two key breakaways in the third period to hand Shell a 115-102 loss as San Miguel booked one of the last two semifinal berths in a knockout game.