Talk ‘N Text, Barako Bull clash in do-or-die Game Five

PBA/Paul Ryan Tan

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and the Barako Bull Energy battle in a winner-take-all Game Five in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinals Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The do-or-die contest is set at 6:45 p.m. with the winner advancing to the best-of-seven championship series against the B-MEG Llamados.

Talk ‘N Text tied the series at 2-all with a 108-90 demolition of Barako Bull last Monday behind balanced scoring by the Tropang Texters.

But Energy coach Junel Baculi said the team failed to adjust to how Game Four was officiated.

“Barako Bull Energy was denied of its usual physical game in Game 4Four. Whereas, Talk ‘N Text was allowed to be physical on us,” said Baculi.

“I sincerely hope that the referees will allow us to play our usual physical game on our do-or-die game on Wednesday the way they allowed Talk ‘N Text in Game Four. Fair and even officiating will determine the rightful finalist.”

Ranidel de Ocampo carried the scoring load for the defending champions with 23 points while seven other Talk ‘N Text players hit at least seven in another lopsided win for the Tropang Texters in the series.

One missing link for Barako Bull in Game Four was import Gabe Freeman, who was held to a personal-low six points from the field.

Freeman, who fired 27 points in Barako Bull’s 85-81 win in Game Three, got into foul trouble early and lost his aggressiveness throughout the game.

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes said his team has not accomplished anything yet after Game Four.

“One win is one win. The margin does not matter,” said Reyes. “We just have to play better on Wednesday and that’s the key.”

Follow @interaksyon