FTW: TNT and B-MEG clash in battle of 'true contenders'

As Talk ‘N Text and B-MEG continue their seven-game championship series, the FTW crew of Mico Halili, Magoo Marjon and Jen Reyes, brother of former UAAP and PBA player Jai Reyes, gather to discuss the teams' keys to winning the Commissioner's Cup.   The meeting between the two was inevitable, given that they are comprised of some of the strongest players in the league.   "They were the top two teams in elimination. Even in the Philippine Cup, they were the top 2 teams," said Magoo, who reminded us of how the two were destined to meet last conference, if not for Powerade's upset win over B-MEG that sent the former to their storybook Finals run in the All-Filipino Cup.   Almost evenly balanced on paper, the two squads may only differ now when it comes to health.   "I'm a little concerned about the injury situation of Talk n Text though coz that's not a problem that B-MEG has. Talk n Text maya't maya may pilay, may hiwa, may problema, but sanay yan," said Mico.   The Tropang Texters are so solid even with manpower issues that this championship series is now their fifth consecutive finals appearance, with the team gunning for their fourth title in recent history, Magoo added.   With a team built with superstars, Mico wondered who would carry the two teams through the seven-game saga.   "It's gotta be Denzel Bowles. If you look at the numbers, James Yap, not really having a solid tournament. His numbers are down; Bowles has matured," said Magoo, who reminded us of how the Llamados import outclassed Jackson Vroman of Ginebra in their semifinals match-up.   Jen, on the other hand, picked sweet-shooting forward Ranidel de Ocampo.   "Ranidel! Pagka-sinabi lang ni coach Chot [Reyes] na ‘Ranidel, tumira ka na,’ titira talaga. Everytime gumagawa si Ranidel, mahirap matalo ang Talk n Text,” he said.   And in the issue of who's the tougher defensive team?   "I'll go with TNT kasi nandoon si Ryan Reyes, pero meron din ang B-MEG na Marc Pingris. Sa imports, mas nagfofocus si [Donnell]Harvey sa rebounds. You have Jason Castro, si Ranidel kaya makipag-banggaan, you have Harvey Carey and Ali Peek," stressed Jen.   Magoo gives a different perspective, saying that it's not just a question on who's the tougher team on defense, but who will need to play better defense:   "B-MEG will need to play better defense. With Talk ‘N Text, even if their defense doesn't work, they can just out-shoot you."   Despite B-MEG having claimed the first of the required four games to hoist the trophy, it’s still any team’s championship to win, and it’ll definitely be an exciting series for basketball fans everywhere. – Renee Fopalan/AMD, GMA News