PBA KO Phase Predictions: SMB Bracket

Here's the thing, you scrap and claw your way in knockout games versus quality teams... only to win the chance to face a well-rested (and by then Alex Cabagnot incorporated), top seeded San Miguel Beermen squad.

Sucks.

Well, if you were one of the four teams under the SMB bracket, you'll take your chances considering the opposition. The Texters are the only solid team here, with Ginebra still in a funk and learning the Triangle on the fly and both farm teams Barako Bull and Global Port (oh hush now) well, ready to just roll over and die at the whim of some higher power.

4 Talk'n'Text Tropang Texters vs 9 Barako Bull Energy Cola

Life after Romeo
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

With all due respect to some of our favorite PBA players: Denok Miranda, Dorian Pena and RR Garcia, the Energy do not stand a chance on God's green earth against a recommitted Texters camp that is looking to continue on adding to its championship legacy.

For the Texters to win, they just need to play solid Texters basketball (which is like asking for the sun to come out each and every day so yeah, sucks for the Energy) and not fall into the trap of playing down to the opposition. They'll be able to let their aging core catch a breather with this one, but only after a defiant stand by the Energy's veterans who are sure as hell going to try to go out with a loud bang. We hope to see more of rookies Matt Rosser and Kevin Alas, to gauge where they are at this point in their young careers and for coach Jong Uichico to see if they can be called upon to contribute more minutes as the team goes deeper into the PBA Philippine Cup.


For the Energy to win, they'll need to play with a sense of urgency and passion-- which is rather difficult when you finally realize that yes, you are a shameless farm team and that you spiritual and statistical leader on the court, Denok Miranda, was actually going to be traded elsewhere while every one else rots in PBA purgatory. If any thing, this is Garcia's chance to prove himself as a PBA rising star and not be the Marvin Agustin to former buddy Terrence Romeo's Jolina Magdangal. Carlo Lastimosa might make it fun, but only if he gets his head in the game and not be caught trying to do too much on the floor.

Key to the series: Pick your poison with the Texters' souped-up superstar roster.
Prediction: TNT in 1 

5 Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs 8 GlobalPort Batang Pier

No Cabagnot, More Romeo, yes?
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

This is going to be a great match to watch, but only if Terrence Romeo is set free from the unholy shackles that has been cast upon him for some unseen reason this conference. Together with Stanley Pringle, they will excite and delight. They will run L.A. Tenorio's old legs all over the court and anyone else over the age of 30 for Ginebra.

But that's only until Ginebra cranks up the defense, throws the ball down into the post to Greg Slaughter or Japeth Aguilar and make the game easy for themselves.

For Ginebra to win, they need to commit to the Triangle and to one another. They have lost a bunch of games after a hot start owing more to lack of communication specially on the defensive end. It's not even the bigs' fault. It's the guards-- for letting their assignments beat them every time because they always think that their bigs will cover for them.

For GlobalPort to win, they need Terrence Romeo, FIBA 3x3 Superstar to come out with guns ablaze. No excuses, no remorse. Just give him the ball and let him work.

Key to the series: Height is might for Ginebra
Prediction: Ginebra will win, but only because GlobalPort is a mess