Texters open bid versus Gilas five

MANILA, Philippines -It’s the third playdate of the 2011 PBA Commissioners Cup that features Philippine Cup losing finalist San Miguel Beer versus Air21 in the other game.

By Feb. 25, the Tropang Texters and the Beermen have taken a three-week rest after their Philippine Cup title collision.

Barangay Ginebra and Meralco Bolts play in the opening game in Laoag City on Feb. 18.

The tourney’s first play date in Metro Manila is Feb. 23 at the Cuneta Astrodome pitting Alaska Milk versus Powerade at 5 p.m. then B-MEG Derby Ace against Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m.

Barako Bull, the George Chua-owned ball club which is on leave to give way to Smart Gilas Pilipinas, was the last winner of the Commissioners Cup in 2002.

Alaska, however, can be considered the defending champion, being the winner of the last import-reinforced tourney – the 2010 Fiesta Conference.

“We looked refreshed. We’re playing fresh-minded which is not the way we played last conference,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“Our import seems a good fit so far. We are pleased,” Cone also said of import LD Williams.

Six out-of-town games are slated in the elimination round. After the Laoag City opener, the tourney visits Tubod, Lanao del Norte on Feb. 26, Davao City on March 5, Cagayan de Oro on March 19, Panabo City on March 26 and Tacloban on April 2.

By the first week of April, the elimination round is over and the six teams advancing to the playoffs are determined.

The top two teams automatically advance to the best-of-five semifinals while the next four make the best-of-three quarterfinals. 

Results of the first conference (60 percent) and the second conference (40 percent) serve as basis for the handicapping system in the season-ending Governors Cup.

The top four will be allowed an import with a height limit of 6-foot-2, the next four 6-foot-4 and last two 6-foot-6.

Meanwhile, Rob Brown collected 27 points and nine rebounds as Derby Ace nipped Rain or Shine, 102-101, in a tune-up game at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Llamados are now 2-0 and the Elasto Painters 3-1 in tune-up matches.