ABC-5 spices up TV coverage of finals

ABC-5, the league’s official television carrier, has introduced more highlights for the best-of-five series pitting underdog squads Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull Barako.

A coverage team headed by Siena Oloso focused on an in-depth coverage of the teams’ practices, videos of pregame huddles and closer viewing during timeouts witnessed by millions of PBA fanatics in Game 1 of the series won by the Gin Kings.

"We want to put the fan—at least the one watching at home—right in the middle of the action. We want to make viewers feel that they are right inside the coliseum during the Finals," said ABC-5 sports marketing manager Winston Dela Cruz.

ABC is also putting premium coverage on the fiery Ginebra duo of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, dubbed Mr. Fast and Mr. Furious, respectively, and the spunky Red Bull pair of Jimwell Torion and Lordy Tugade.

As an added treat to Kings fans, network officials said Ginebra’s long road to the finals after being seeded lowly at the end of the elimination round will be featured.

Focus will also be on the battle between coaches Yeng Guiao of Red Bull and Barangay Ginebra’s Siot Tanquingcen, whose Gin Kings are gunning for a commanding 2-0 lead in the series today at 7:10 p.m.

ABC-5 said it will also put additional cameras and provide viewers with added graphics and loads of statistical data, innovations triggered by the warm response of viewers in the Talk n Text-Ginebra semifinal clash, which the Gin Kings won.

ABC collected a 16.1%-rating in the last 15 minutes of the game, overtaking GMA-7’s viewership that night. All games will be carried live on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and on July 7 and 9 if necessary. The Wednesday and Friday games will start at 7 p.m. while the Sunday match tips off at 6:30 p.m.