PBA COMMISSIONER'S CUP FINALS: TALE OF THE TAPE

MANILA, Philippines – As predicted, the dream title showdown between the Talk ’n Text Tropang Texters and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings has been sealed. The teams start their best of seven title series to determine who will be crowned this year’s 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions.

This developed after the Gin Kings subdued the gritty Smart Gilas squad on Easter Sunday, 92-85 and wrap up their series 3-1. The Texters booked the first finals seat last April 20 when they clobbered the Air21 Express.

The Fatigue Factor
Of the two teams, TnT seems to be fresher. They were the first team to cop the first automatic semi-finals seat while Barangay Ginebra went through a best of three quarterfinal series against Rain or Shine and a four game series against the Smart Gilas squad. Physically and emotionally, TnT obviously has the upper hand in this area.

Consistency and Well-Matched Bench
Talent-wise, both teams seem to match-up well. Starting from their PBA reinforcements all the way to the role players, TnT and Ginebra seem to be deadlocked.

However, as far as consistency is concerned, Talk ‘n Text has some sort of an edge over the Gin Kings. Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, Ryan Reyes and Paul Harris have been known to explode at times supported by the tough interior defense and inside plays led by the likes of Ali Peek, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams.

But Ginebra is expected to rise to the challenge as always. Led by import Nate Brumfield and Mark “The Spark” Caguioa, the Gin Kings have shown that they can be equally explosive and great on defense as we saw in their played games so far.


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