Energy punks out Texters

Energy will win if they continue
to keep Pena fresh for the 4th

If the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters fail to advance to the Finals in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, then not only would it come as a shock to the local basketball front, but they'll have only themselves to blame.

In Game 2, we all thought that the tables have finally turned and that the Texters were ready to follow up with a rousing performance in Game 3. Not only did the survive the veteran-laden Barako Bull Energy's physicality, but they ran them roughshod to the ground. But something changed, this writer touched on it in the last two entries (be happy if you could check it out) and it worked to perfection.

The Energy made three key adjustments that pretty much sealed the deal.


1. Willie Miller in the post
This writer illustrated the big drop in production from the PBA's 2x MVP going into the playoffs. In the eliminations, he was averaging around 17 points a game but that went downhill with averages of 15 (quarterfinals) and 10 (semis Games 1 and 2). Coach Junel Baculi made sure that that wouldn't happen again, with Miller taking the cat quick Jayson Castro and even bulky Ryan Reyes to the post whenever he wasn't open for Js (which he was also taking in Miller fashion). Castro may be quick, but Miller has that rare combination of size, strength, speed and high basketball IQ. Reyes has very quick hands and is a threat to steal the ball from anyone, but not when he's being backed down in the paint by an experienced vet who knows all the tricks of the trade.

2. Gabe Freeman in the post
Another adjustment was sending Freeman in the post. Here, import Donnel Harvey was making a living grabbing rebounds and hustling. Freeman solved all that by doing so much more because of his superior athleticism and boundless energy. Whatever Harvey did in the paint offensively and defensively, Freeman one-upped. It also allowed Mick Pennisi, the Energy's best three point threat so far, to camp outside and save himself for the latter stages of the game because he wasn't battling for position as much. It should be noted that TNT coach Chot Reyes insisted on having Harvey Carey guard Freeman exclusively on the paint instead of asking his best guy in the post (defensively), Kelly Williams to take the job. Jarred Dillinger, as we've said time and again, is tenacious but has no one-on-one D. But hey, KKS is part of the "Free the D" movement so anytime he's on the floor, we're not going to complain or even rant.

3. Use the young guys early
Jimbo Aquino made a key appearance early at SG. He was tentative, but that's okay. Jondan Salvador was dusted off in the first quarter as well. The under-rated and vastly skilled Leo Najorda was also used in the first half to keep the TNT in check. They were able to do this because of the large lead that they were able to establish. This allowed the Energy to rest not only Miller, but their best rebounder- Dorian Pena, who is the true X-factor in this series. Pena was fresh in the 3rd and 4th, and his rebounds and box out plays were priceless. Harvey's a workhorse down on the block, but there are only one or two guys who can really push Pena around and they're not in the Playoffs (Ali Peek is still hurt, then there's Doug Kramer from Powerade).

Jimmy Alapag getting ejected by the silliest and most obvious of cheap shots also showed that the Energy are indeed getting under their skin. Kudos to Ronald Tubid for playing his game, not flopping but getting in guys' faces. This is the Tubid of the UE Red Warriors. The same guy who was punking out the other UAAP stars and was even credited to be the real hero of the Warriors despite playing alongside James Yap and Paul Artadi.

For the Texters, expect them to make the necessary adjustments for Game 4. Somehow, it would really be hard to bet against them coming back and making the Finals (they did so in the Philippine Cup Finals by overcoming Petron).

It's really not that hard to figure out how the Texters can win this series-- go to The Doctor and hope that he's come to play. He's the true barometer of that team, when he's on his game, everything falls into place. The guards are all spread out while he operates at the top of the key or in the paint, and they have a different look. Harvey Carey's nice and will give you the energy plays, but Chot Reyes needs production from his frontline and so far, the Carey-Williams-Harvey trio isn't getting it done.