PBA: Bolts, Energy try to seal Commissioner's Cup semis fates

Meralco and Barako Bull try to join early semifinalists Talk 'N Text and Barangay Ginebra as they aim to close out their respective PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals series against B-MEG and Alaska Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Bolts and Energy hold a one-game lead opposite the Llamados and Aces in their own best-of-three contests. Meralco assistant coach Ronnie Magsanoc said they are going to take advantage of the chance to gain momentum. "It is our first time to win a quarterfinals game. This is a rare opportunity so we’ll grab it. This win is a good motivational factor to the players." But Magsanoc said a 1-0 lead in a short series is no guarantee against a Tim Cone-coached B-MEG team loaded with talent. "There’s a chance for us to win back-to-back games but it will be tough to beat B-MEG two games in a row." "We just told them to be ready on what B-MEG is going to bring out in the game," he said. "Our game plan is simple, we will match B-MEG’s offense with the Meralco defense." Magsanoc said the team that will successfully impose their game plan will win the series. Junel Baculi and the Energy are in the same boat with the Bolts. "We're not yet looking beyond Wednesday's game, but if ever we make the semis, it would be good for us if we can get Rodney White back," said the Barako coach.   White suffered a groin injury in Barako’s 99-95 loss to Rain or Shine in a PBA road game in Dubai.   Barako, however, will be bringing in two-time Best Import Gabe Freeman when it hopes to finish off Alaska in their 7:30 p.m. contest. — JVP, GMA News