Llamados, Texters eye 1st semis seats

MANILA, Philippines - Elimination-round topnotchers B-Meg and Talk n Text take their first of two cracks at the semifinals against Powerade and Barako Bull as the PBA Philippine Cup playoff phase gets going today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters battle the Energy at 5:15 p.m. then the Llamados tangle with the Tigers at 7:30 p.m. with the lower seeded teams vowing to put up a tough stand to force a pair of sudden deaths.

“We realize how well B-Meg has been playing both individually and as a team. The knockout game will be a testament on how far we’ve grown as a team. What I’m sure of is we won’t back down,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

The Energy, meanwhile, are just as excited to challenge the Tropang Texters.

“They played three finals in a row and won two. It’s a good challenge for us. This might be what we’re waiting for to come and play together,” said Barako chief guard Willie Miller.

The Tigers and the Energy, eighth and seventh placers in the elims, respectively, need to win two in a row to barge into the semis.

Petron clashes with Meralco while Barangay Ginebra collides with Rain or Shine in the other pair of best-of-three quarters showdowns beginning Friday.

The Kings, the Bolts and the Texters have reactivated Rico Maierhofer, Chris Ross and Ali Peek, respectively, for the playoffs.

Maierhofer took over from Reil Cervantes, Ross replaced Bryan Faundo while Peek came in lieu of Shawn Weinstein.

Being best placers in the elims, B-Meg and Talk n Text are fancied to fare as well in the playoffs.

The Llamados are out to relive their winning tradition in the all-Filipino tourney while the Texters hope to be the first team in nearly three decades to successfully defend the all-Filipino crown.

They are, however, in for a tough challenge.

Barako Bull handed Talk n Text its first loss in the tourney with a 100-86 victory last Oct. 19.

The Tigers, meanwhile, set out for the playoffs riding the momentum of a strong finish in the elims.

B-Meg overpowered Powerade, 97-80, last Oct. 26 when the Tigers were still trying to put their act together.