PBA Commish Cup Playoffs: 1-0

What we've learned so far in the PBA Playoffs:
Cabagnot is still Alapag's b*tch.

Alaska Aces (1) vs Air21 Express (8): Aces advance to next round
That's all she wrote for the Express. Aces' went with a zone to take out Express import Mike Dunigan and dared anyone not named Nino Canaleta to beat them from deep. JVee Casio has risen from rookie teammate's magnetising shadow to stand out as the Aces' true leader on the floor with his steady and heady point guard plays. This guys is just amazing to watch, doesn't force shots (almost to a fault) and never, EVER, gives up his dribble until he finds an open man or a good look. Just sound team basketball for the Aces anchored on them having arguably some of the league's best players at each position save for power forward (which isn't much of a big deal given that center Sonny Thoss is doing just fine there playing alongside import Rob Dozier).

Rain or Shine (2) vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (7): Ginebra forces do-or-die Monday
The game was theirs for the taking but in true Elastopainters fashion, they started to become stagnant and predictable and almost ignorantly and bullishly kept going inside to Sundov in the 3rd quarter when  Ginebra made the necessary adjustment to send three guys over each and every time. Referees had an impact in the third quarter, but the Elastopainters were still in it so no excuses there. Bad game for Gabe Norwood, who was fighting tooth and nail in that "meaningless" Meralco game to avoid this match with Ginebra (and now we know why). He did absolutely nothing tonight, guarding pint-sized guards LA Tenorio and Josh Urbiztondo and failing miserably. Beau Belga and JayR Quinahan need to be called out as well, the Elastopainters need to make use of their advantage in depth (specially on the block) to the hilt on Monday's do-or-die game or just concede the series to Ginebra.

Petron Blaze Boosters (3) vs Talk n Text Tropang Texters (6): TNT up 1-0 in best of three
While the Boosters have household names on its roster, this series has been decided as early as the 1st quarter of the first game. Texters head coach Norman Black just put on a coaching clinic for Boosters' counterpart Olsen Racela almost saying "this is how you coach a team." If you're a Boosters fan, you'd have to wonder why Noli Eala made a deal for Josh Urbiztondo for Ginebra, but forgot to make some adjustments for your team. Ano yun, paborito? Una si Tenorio. Tapos si Urbiztondo? SMC din naman kami a.

San Mig Coffee Mixers (4) vs Meralco Bolts (5): Bolts up 1-0 in best of three
PJ Simon needs help. He got it from Alex Mallari (biggest surprise of the still young Playoffs thus far). But where was James Yap? Joe DeVance? Mark Barroca? Is Tim Cone's superstar-oriented approach obsolete? The Bolts won behind their two units: the first with Ronjay Buenafe and Sunday Salvacion which is more dribble-drive oriented and then the second with Mac Cardona and Cliff Hodge which is halfcourt heavy. Eric Dawson is proving to be a handful as well. Denzel Bowles needs to step it up a notch higher and carry this team if Yap continues to be in that Kris Aquino funk that he's in.