PBA semis promise excitement

source: mb.com.ph

Games Friday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Air21
7:30 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Brgy. Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Talk ‘N Text had two weeks to figure out the new-look Air21 and prospects looked daunting.

“This team has no weakness,” conceded TNT coach Chot Reyes said on the eve of their semifinal match in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Reyes said from the time Air21 wrapped up its elimination assignments, the Texters have been preparing against the Express.

“We’re not surprised we are playing Air21,” Reyes said. “They are deep, well-coached and have the league’s best import.”

Reyes was referring to Alpha Bangura who averaged 29.3 points and 8.3 rebounds during their quarterfinal showdown with the Alaska Aces.

The Texters won their first and only meeting last March 5 in Davao City, but much has changed since.

The four blue-chip additions from San Miguel Beer have already jelled with their teammates as shown by the big numbers posted by former national players Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle.

With more playing time, Seigle has made a smooth transmission from being a role player in San Miguel to being a key part of the rotation.

The six-foot-seven power forward averaged 13 points and 5.6 rebounds in 34.6 minutes on the floor in the quarterfinals.

“We are far more better team than our first game against Talk ’N Text,” said Air21 coach Bong Ramos who then had Jeremy Robinson as renforcement. “With the personnel we have, we are equipped to challenge TNT. It’s just a matter of executing the game plan.”

Paul Harris, the league’s best rebounder and shot blocker after Smart-Gilas’ Marcus Douthit, is expected to take on the high-scoring Bangura.

The semifinal round is a best-of-five affair with the Texters hoping to shake off the rust quickly against the determined Express who survived four matches with their backs against the wall.

Clashing in the main game at 7:30 p.m. are Smart-Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra.

The Nationals posted the second best win-loss record in the eliminations, but face the prospects of playing without the 6-10 Douthit who is still recovering from a fractured right hand he sustained against Meralco last April 6.

“We’ll see if he can play,” said Smart-Gilas Serbian coach Rajko Toroman. “We have problems with injuries. Chris Tiu (bruised left shoulder) is coming back. Ginebra is a very good team, very popular. There will be no easy game.”

source: mb.com.ph