Texters, Energy start semis duel

MANILA, Philippines - Elimination-round topnotcher and defending champion Talk n Text returns from a 12-day rest today as it slugs it out with Barako Bull at the start of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal round rematch at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Barangay Ginebra and B-Meg are pitted in the other semifinal pairing, beginning their own best-of-five duel at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow at the same venue.

As in the last conference, PBA commissioner Chito Salud decided to hold the two semis matchups alternately for equal exposure.

Talk n Text and Barako Bull are the first to take the floor, rekindling their showdown in the same phase of the same tournament last season.

The Texters swept away the Energy then, but both camps said it is an entirely different thing this time.

Barako Bull is now under coach Junel Baculi, a passionate bench tactician drawing the best he could get from veterans Danny Seigle, Dorian Peña, Mick Pennisi, Willie Miller, Ronald Tubid, Don Allado and Wynne Arboleda.

Add two-time PBA Best Import awardee Gabe Freeman, and Barako Bull has got a cast that really can’t be taken for granted.

The question is which team will impose on matchups with Talk n Text boasting of an import, Donnell Harvey, who has a strong inside presence and ranged against Freeman who is an explosive force from the outside.

Talk n Text outlasted Barako, 113-106, in overtime during their elimination-round meeting when the latter was still reinforced by Rodney White.

Baculi said they’re simply facing another tough test – against a team quicker and more agile than the Alaska Milk team they hurdled in the quarterfinals.

Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes, meanwhile, believes Barako has become a better team with Freeman in the fold.

“Freeman is the perfect import for Barako. He complements their veterans very well with his energy and all-around game,” said Reyes.

 The TnT mentor also pointed out that they have the advantage of some rest while Barako has the benefit of game sharpness and momentum.

“(But) as is often the case in a series, the team that imposes its will early then makes the necessary adjustments will prevail, regardless who’s favored or not,” said Reyes.

Jimmy Alapag topscored with 27 points while Harvey produced a huge double-double game with 26 points and 22 rebounds as they prevailed over Energy in their game last March 9.

Barako sent the game into overtime as Miller knocked in a triple off over the outstretched arms of Harvey.

Crucial triples by Ryan Reyes fueled a key run by TnT in extra time.