Texters, E-Painters in semis

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. – Alaska vs Purefoods

5:15 p.m. – Meralco vs NLEX

MANILA, Philippines - Top seeds Talk n Text and Rain or Shine both took one game to dispose of their quarterfinal foes and book berths in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.

The Tropang Texters came off a weeklong break in great form and blasted the Barako Bull Energy, 127-97, while the Elasto Painters yet again showed their big fighting heart to squeeze out a tight 92-91 win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The Texters advanced to the semifinals versus the winner of the Purefoods-Alaska Milk tussle while the E-Painters got a shot at the finals opposite the victor of the Meralco-NLEX matchup.

One-zero up in their respective best-of-three series, the Hotshots and the Bolts go for the clincher tonight over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Hotshots and the Aces collide at 3 p.m. then the Bolts and the Road Warriors face off at 5:15 p.m.

Jeff Chan stole off Mike Dunigan and scored the winning basket on a breakaway lay-up as the Elasto Painters frustrated the Gin Kings and their fanatics, stretching the long title drought of Ginebra.

“We got lucky. It’s a good time for Jeff to come out with that. He was shooting very badly and we’re waiting for his shooting to come back,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Ginebra was never a light assignment. It didn’t feel like we had an advantage against them. I’m glad it’s over. Now we can start preparation for the semis,” Guiao added.

Chan, Raymond Almazan and Wayne Chism carried the load for the Elasto Painters, unloading 17 points each. They themselves fueled Rain or Shine’s fightback from a nine-point deficit at the start of the last quarter.

The Gin Kings were closing out the game in the dying seconds when Chan stole off Dunigan and pushed the E-Painters ahead, 92-91 with 4.9 ticks left.

Jayjay Helterbrand failed to elude defender Gabe Norwood in their last possession.The Kings became the next casualty in the tourney after Blackwater, Kia, Globalport, San Miguel Beer and Barako Bull.