PBA semifinal round starts

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Alaska vs. Talk ‘N Text

7:30 p.m.- San Mig Coffee vs. Rain or Shine

The four teams left standing in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup  begin their best-of-seven series as the semifinal round gets underway today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Alaska Aces test their mettle against the defending champions Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters, while the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the San Mig Coffee Mixers renew their rivalry in a pair of Final Four battles that could send basketball fanatics to the edge of their seats.

Undoubtedly, the Texters are heavily favored against the Aces, who are back in the semis for the first time since winning the 2010 PBA Fiesta Cup title.

But there is no room for complacency for Talk ’N Text since Alaska is one of the only two teams to defeat the defending champions in the elimination round.

Talk ’N Text is the top seed in the playoffs after ending the elimination round with 12 wins and two losses.

The Texters booked a semis ticket after dispatching the eight-seeded Air21 Express in the quarterfinal round.

The fifth-seed Alaska sealed its trip to the Final Four round after sweeping the fourth-seed Meralco Bolts in their best-of-three quarterfinal showdown.

Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ali Peek, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jared Dillinger are expected to once again carry the fight for the Texters.

The Aces will rely on workhorse rookie Calvin Abueva, JVee Casio, Sonny Thoss, Cyrus Baguio, Mac Baracael, Gabby Espinas, Dondon Hontiveros and RJ Jazul.

REVENGE

Meanwhile, revenge will be the battlecry of the Coffee Mixers against the Painters.

San Mig Coffee lost to Rain or Shine in their epic championship duel in the Governors’ Cup.

Rain or Shine is coming off a tough quarterfinal series against the Barangay Ginebra Kings whom they dispatched in three games, 2-1.

Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Beau Belga, JR Quinahan, Chris Tiu, Ryan Araña, Jervy Cruz and JR Quiñahan will Rain or Shine’s weapons against San Mig’s James Yap, PJ Simon, Joe De Vance, Rafi Reavis, Jonas Villanueva and Marc Pingris.