PBAPC16 QF: 6 Talk n Text vs 7 NLEX

Photo credit to PBA.Inquirer.net

You know how it goes in the family when you are the youngest: if you want respect, you will have to earn it the hard way no matter how spoiled you appear to be. And the fastest way into obtaining that respect, is to somehow best your gifted older sibling who either comes home with a technicolor stamped arm for all the Stars and what not or trophies. Lots and lots of sports-related trophies.

This is where Coach Boyet Fernandez and his NLEX stands at the moment, finding themselves with a twice-to-beat disadvantage versus big brother Talk'n'Text. They have achieved little in the PBA so far and just when they were about to make a push for a deep playoff run, they are stuck having to duke it out early with the "family favorite."

Defiantly leading the charge for NLEX are Asi Taulava (33mpg 20ppg 12rpg) and Sean Anthony (35mpg 20ppg 12rpg 4apg), followed by the revived play of a healthy Jonas Villanueva (32mpg 11ppg 4rpg 4apg) and rookies Simon Enciso (26mpg 8ppg) and Kevin Alas (25mpg 8ppg 3rpg 2apg). There are games wherein Taulava and Anthony appear to be the only ones competing, but lately every one's been in a steady groove-- MacMac Cardona included.

On the flip side though, TNT Coach Jong Uichico continues to rely on the supernatural Jayson Castro (32mpg 20ppg 4rpg 5apg), Larry Fonacier (32mpg 11ppg 3rpg 3apg) and Matt Ganuelas Rosser (30mpg 7ppg 4rpg) while also seamlessly incorporating blue chip rookies Moala Tautuaa (24mpg 13ppg 5rpg) and Troy Rosario (28mpg 16ppg 7rpg) into their game plan. The Texters took a bit of time adjusting to playing minus star forward Ranidel de Ocampo, but from where we are seated it appears that Tautuaa and Rosario are more than capable of picking up the slack.

In terms of basketball styles, NLEX plays a more traditional half-court Big 3 set with Villanueva, Anthony and Taulava. The Texters on the other hand continue to be mavericks of the PBA, anchored on their bull-strong combo guard and interchangeable frontline. This is going to be tough on NLEX, since Anthony is at his best coming from the weak side and just free-lancing on offense with his hustle. He will be met by Rosario, former league MVP Kelly Williams and even Harvey Carey. Taulava versus Tautuaa should be nice, but only if the aging slotman can get in his spots which would probably be highly unlikely (we expect TNT to deny Taulava the ball early, but only IF Tautuaa cannot stop him one on one).

To win, NLEX will need everyone to be at their best specially their shooters, to take the load off their Big 3. Otherwise, TNT will just do what they always do and keep winning.

Daddy's favorites, eh?

Prediction: TNT to advance