Energy, Bolts go for sweep today

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull and Meralco try to clinch spots in the Final Four with Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra as they go for a pair of sweeps against Alaska Milk and B-Meg, respectively, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Getting past the Aces despite playing all-Filipino three-fourths of the way Sunday, the Energy hope to further boost their drive as they bring in former San Miguel Beer import Gabe Freeman in their 7:30 p.m. encounter.

Freeman is undersized in this tourney at 6-foot-5 but can well improve Barako’s scoring sock and perimeter defense.

The two-time Best Import awardee is likely to stay on as Barako Bull’s import in the season-ending Governors Cup where the height limit for reinforcements is six feet and five inches.

Meralco, meanwhile, hopes to continue playing tough on defense as it seeks to wrap up its series versus B-Meg at 5:15 p.m.

“We were rewarded with a victory against an incredibly strong team Sunday with defense as our strongest weapon. The same kind of defensive effort is required for us to have a clear shot at them again,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Llamados, however, felt they’re being roughed up and they promised to fight back.

“If they want to turn it into a wrestling or boxing match, we’ll be ready to go toe to toe,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.

The Energy walloped the Aces, 103-90, while the Bolts shocked the Llamados, 103-81, in the opener of the best-of-three series.

Still, Barako tried to firm up its lineup in anticipation of a determined Alaska comeback.

“We will play hard to close out the series. We are sure Alaska will play with all its energy in a do-or-die game. We will approach the game as do-or-die for us likewise,” said Junel Baculi.

Alaska coach Joel Banal said they have to make the right adjustments in practice and on the course of the game if they’re to force a rubber match. 

Danny Seigle and the other Barako veterans pulled a solid game together, overcoming early 14-point deficits and winning with plenty to spare despite getting hardly anything from Reggie Okosa.

“All I needed to do was to remind them because they’re veterans. They’ve been there; they’ve done that. They’re not in good hands; I’m the one in good hands,” said Baculi.

Meralco hardly gave B-Meg a chance in Game One of their own series, coming out smoking and opening a huge 23-point spread right in the first half. 

B-Meg actually waged a chase in the second half but the Bolts made a key move before the Llamados could turn the tide, unleashing a back-breaking 18-to-nothing run.