Game today:
Ynares Center, Antipolo City
6:45 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Talk ‘N Text
With do-it-all import Gabe Freeman in tow, the Barako Bull Energy have become a different team in the playoffs of the 37th PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Energy will try to prove that they’re for real as they test their mettle against the defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at the start of their best-of-five semifinal series today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Freeman was simply unstoppable in Barako Bull’s 106-85 semis-clinching victory over the higher-ranked Alaska Aces in their do-or-die Game 3 of their quarterfinal series last Sunday.
The workhorse import collected 34 points and 19 rebounds in that win, which was just in his second game with the team.
Talk ‘N Text head coach Chot Reyes admits that the Energy became more dangerous with Freeman’s arrival.
“(Gabe) Freeman’s the perfect fit for Barako,” Reyes told pba.ph “He complements their veterans very well with his energy and all-around game.”
The Texters will try to capitalize on the extra rest that they got for automatically advancing to the semis. The Texters, along with the Barangay Ginebra Kings, advanced to the semis outright after the topping the elimination round.
The Kings will start their race-to-three duel against the B-Meg Llamados on Wednesday.
Talk ‘N Text will also have the psychological edge against the Energy. The Texters swept the Energy, then known as Air21 Express, also in their best-of-five semifinal series in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup.