Can Barako Bull destroy the dynasty?

I borrowed Marcin Gortat's body to make my favorite's Fil-Aussie's cover art awesome. 

Whoever wins Game Four, wins the series.

This is a safe and basic prediction for the Talk N Text versus Barako Bull match. While it was evident that the Bulls pose a better challenge than Alaska, I think it shocked people that Barako Bull is one game away from destroying the grand slam hopes of Talk N Text. Come Monday, the Tropang Texters are at the brink of bye-bye.

Game Three ended with an 85 to 81 win by Barako Bull. The Energy led most of the game which was as high as 21 points at one point. But Talk N Text clawed from hell to go within one but Mick Pennisi unleashed a vicious three pointer with 26 seconds left and it was enough to send the Tropang Texters to la-la land.

Let us be reminded of what happened during that game.

LACK OF LEADERSHIP

Jimmy Alapag has been hampered by various problems that you’ll find out when you visit other websites. Anyway, his Game Three ejection is due to his frustrations. With Alapag in this state, a lot of guys need to step up. Barako Bull might not be “grand slam material” but they are infested with skills and experience. I mean swarms of mythical selections, championship rings, and all-star appearances mark their existence! TNT’s forces are relatively young but their heart to carry the load must be there.

CONSISTENCY

This brings me to my next point. Alapag is pissed as hell but before 4:37 of the fourth quarter, he had 14 points, four rebounds, and seven assists. But where the hell are the other players? Again, Ranidel De Ocampo, Jared Dillinger, and Ryan Reyes only scored three points. These three were the team starters. Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier had seven points while Jayson Castro only came in with eleven points. The lone bright spot for the Tropa are Donnell Harvey who had 19 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and 7-of-9 field goal shooting… and Harvey Carey who finally had a nice offensive production with 15 points and six rebounds.

Look I am not saying that Barako Bull is consistent. Game One was Dorian Pena’s, Game Two had Don Allado score twenty points, and Mick Pennisi explodes with 15 this game but they aren't offensive powerhouses in most instances. However, they have four constants in their lineup – Gabe Freeman, Willie Miller, Danny Seigle, and Ronald Tubid. These four are consistently score in or near ten points in the playoffs. For TNT, they only have Castro, Alapag, and Fonacier as guys aside from Donnell to score two or more double digit games.

DEFENSE

I think this is what Junel Baculi has that Chot Reyes hasn’t. Gabe Freeman is a go-to-guy and just because he’s undersized, that doesn’t mean he’s a goner. Barako Bull has three key players over 6’6 (four if you count Mark Andaya) and two of them can guard Donnell Harvey. This is the problem with TNT. The non-entity that is Japeth Aguilar and the absence of Ali Peek is heavily causing problem to their system. As long as Baculi’s 2-3 defense works, Barako Bull will stay afloat.

Talk N Text aren’t fan favorites. Their semifinal series lacked fans and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to say that everyone wants their asses to be handed on a platter.

There is no question however that the Talk N Text is bar none the best team in the PBA right now. Ever since 2010, the Tropang Texters have played in four title showdowns and three of those scored them victories. They are the league’s team to beat and without question, B-Meg or Ginebra needs Talk N Text to give their title win legitimacy.

Barako Bull is not buying this fact though. The Bulls are like the Boston Celtics – old, battered, but knows how to win. As Air21 last season, the Express fought against Talk N Text and they were swept 3-0 in the 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. During that conference, they have Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena, Leo Najorda, Lou Gatumbato, and Wynne Arboleda on board.

For these guys, it’s payback time.

Whoever wins Game Four, wins the series.

Truth be told.

Game over.