BMeg solves TNT Matrix in Game 1

PJ Simon shines
over Yap for BMeg

If this game is any indication of what we're going to be watching, nay, witnessing for the next two weeks then they should just move the games from the SMART Araneta Coliseum that fits 17,000 plus max to the Quirino Grandstand where hundreds could enjoy it live.

The BMeg Llamados took control of the game early, surprisingly deciding to run with the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters before finally slowing the game down and playing it per possession. Coach Tim Cone entrusted the scoring to under-rated scorer PJ Simon, who pretty much had a field day on the floor by using his speed against Ryan Reyes and height over Jayson Castro. Simon was doing it all on the floor, even playing big point guard no thanks to a rather subpar performance from 2x MVP teammate James Yap.


Not wanting to be blown out of the first game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals, the Texters made a run in the third quarter before that came to a screeching halt once star guard Castro got hurt in an and-one play. Once Castro sat down, the Texters looked tentative on the floor as reigning MVP Jimmy Alapag couldn't see straight with Simon draped all over him, while Ranidel de Ocampo was put on the grinder by the league's best and most tenacious defender, "Pinoy Sakuragi" Marc Pingris.

Once Castro was taken out of the equation, the Texters were caught flat-footed and ill-prepared for the first time in weeks. With Alapag being shadowed by Simon, the pressure to score caught up with the team and they folded. Larry Fonacier tried to keep them in it, but as we've said before, the guy is a great complimentary piece and not someone who can really take the lead. With Castro, Alapag and RDO all taken out, things got ugly fast for the hapless Texters while not even foul trouble to Simon-- who was having a breakout, Nelson Asaytano circa 1997 moment, could impede the Llamados' momentum.

Denzel Bowles more than held his own, taking advantage of his height while not being bothered by all the defenders (who were shorter than him) that Texters' coach Chot Reyes threw at him. Donnel Harvey, the Texters' blue collar rebounding import, did his share but just isn't the bankable scorer you'd call upon when you're big three's not clicking.

True enough, this game was won not on the hardcourt but on the whiteboard. Coach Tim Cone did it again, trumping Coach Chot with a different approach from what we've become accustomed to. Simon playing PG. Pingris on RDO. Yap doing everything else on the floor that it takes for a team to win.

It was physical, but not Barako Bull-Texters physical. Now that we've touched on it, the Texters looked like the tired, battered team that they are against a Llamados team that just came from an easy yet stretched series versus the Ginebra Kings.

Can the Llamados capitalize and win Game 2 on Wednesday? Don't bet on it. As the Texters would've been able to regroup from all the beating they've taken the last three times out and even if Castro doesn't play at 100%, they'll be able to at least adjust and learn from their mistakes.

Should the Texters run?

Definitely. It remains to be seen if the Llamados, who "ran" early, can really keep up with their style. Also, this gamble by Coach Tim to leave Simon out there guarding the likes of Castro and the physical Ryan Reyes. He was fortunate to not have fouled out with that sideline play versus Fonacier, but the Llamados won't get far if he's taken out of the equation-- which you can bet on come Game 2, putting more pressure on Yap and Bowles to deliver.

X-Factors for the game? Simon for the Llamados. Not really an X-Factor, more like playing like a Superstar. The last Davao Eagle (MBA tribute). For the Texters? Castro was taken out, Dillinger was forcing it too much against Yap (committing a crucial turnover in the 4th) and Fonacier couldn't keep them afloat.

Oh, and those free throws the Texters missed?

Dead legs.