THE PBA Philippine Cup semifinals clash between top seed Talk `N Text and defending champion Derby Ace is too close to call that even a veteran and multi-titled coach like Barako Bull’s Junel Baculi couldn’t come up with his own projection as to which team will advance to the best-of-seven finals.

From outside looking in, Baculi said the series, also a best-of-seven affair, could be over by six
games. But as to which will going to prevail, the slick-haired coach was non-committal.

“It’s a toss-up. It’s unfortunate one of them will have to lose,” said Baculi.

The Tropang Texters already jumped the gun on a Llamados ballclub aiming for history, hacking out a 98-91 win in Game 1of the series five day before the New Year.

But not even a 1-0 Talk `N Text lead could persuade Baculi from giving the Tropang Texters the
edge.

“Both teams have championship experience. And I don’t think Derby Ace, being the defending
champion, would just easily yield its title easily,” said the one-time tough playing guard from
Mapua, who now serves as athletic director of National University.

An added motivation going for the Llamados, according to Baculi, is their remarkable bid to become the first team in the last 25 years to repeat as All-Filipino champions. The defunct Great Taste team, coached by the legendary Virgilio `Baby’ Dalupan and bannered by one-time league MVP Ricardo Brown, was the last squad to achieve the feat in 1984 and 85.

Then again, the Tropang Texters are not lacking in personal drive either.

The telecommunication franchise aims to regain back the title it last won two years ago, but failed to defend it the following season after being eliminated by Barangay Ginebra in a highly-emotional quarterfinal series that was decided in five full games.

“Even lahat,” stressed Baculi. “Both teams have talent, from their starters to the
reserves.”

Ok. So what about coaching wise?

Baculi concedes Chot Reyes has the edge in terms of experience, having been a champion coach in the league since the early 90s.

Still, the Barako Bull mentor is not taking things away from Derby Ace rookie coach Jorge Gallent, whom he describes as a `winner too,’ citing the six Philippine Basketball League (PBL)
championships Gallent won for Harbour Centre, including a couple that also involved him as
consultant of the franchise owned by Mikee Romero.

Without a clear view of which between the Tropang Texters and the Llamados really have the
advantage, Baculi’s fearless forecast is confined to when the series will be over.

“Basta 6 games,” he said .