PBA: Talk 'n Text and Ginebra on Collision Course!

MANILA, Philippines – Up 2-0, it looks like Talk ‘n Text and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings are on a collision course for the 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown. While the Texters seem to be having an easier time with the Air21 Express, Ginebra needed lifts from Mark Caguioa and import Nate Brumfield to achieve the 2-0 lead in their PBA best of five semi-final series.

Even before the PBA semis started, Talk ‘n Text was heavily favored to pull through mainly due to their long rest and deep bench. Not even Air21’s run of being able to do well in do-or-die games may be enough this time as they and the Smart Gilas squad need to win three games in a row to turn their fortunes around.

TnT has won by an average of 12 points or more but these do not really show the figures of the actual game. TnT has been building leads of at least 20 points in their games and the final score was really a result of garbage time when the bench players would be given the playing time in lieu of the starters to avoid injuries.

For Air21, Alpha Bangura has been shackled and has been trying to do too much. Dondon Hontiveros has been nowhere in sight as well in the first two games which seems to be a vital part of the Express’ missing link. Only Danny Seigle has been consistent but one man alone cannot give the Texters some semblance of competition.

Over in the other semi-final series, big plays by Mark “the Spark” Caguioa and the game 2 explosion of Nate Brumfield have propelled the Gin Kings to their commanding 2-0 lead. But the games were not blowouts compared to what TnT has done with Air21. Both games went down the wire and breaks really played a big part in determining the outcome.

Game three is set for Wednesday and more or less you may see the Express and the Smart Gilas squad giving it their all unless they have their eyes on a much needed vacation.

Air21 is obviously tired from their grueling run of games but coach Bong Ramos still believes they can make a run at it. But it needs more than just Seigle to get the job done paired with better defense on the TnT charge.

For Smart Gilas, coach Rajko Toroman has never been known to throw in the towel and it doesn’t seem likely at this point. The Smart Gilas team is too proud to succumb to the pressure and play of the experienced veterans of Ginebra and from all indications their series is far from over.

That is unless Ginebra gets all the breaks once more and Smart Gilas starts shooting blanks as they did in the dying minutes of their game 2 matchup.