The crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings got off to a sizzling start and held on to crush the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 104-81, in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal series yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings, which ousted tournament no.2 Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, started the game with guns ablaze as they built double-digit leads then kept Talk ‘N Text at bay in the ensuing quarters to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.
Today, San Mig Coffee and Alaska start their own semifinal affair as both collide starting 6:15 p.m. at the same venue.The winner in this series will take on the victor of the Kings-Texters series in the championship round.
Veterans Jayjay Helterbrand and Kerby Raymundo spearheaded the offensive attack of the Kings, who, despite still playing without the injured Mark Caguioa, built leads of as many as 28.
The 32-year-old Raymundo took Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block.
Defense also played a key role in Ginebra’s win as it choked Talk ‘N Text’s scorers with Jimmy Alapag only good for three points.
Meanwhile, San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone tries to maintain his unbeaten streak against Alaska. Cone and the Mixers have won all eight of their meetings—including twice in this mid-season tourney—against the Aces.