Rain or Shine, Talk ‘N Text brace for tough finals

MANILA, Philippines—Expect a tooth-and-nail battle as Talk ‘N Text crosses paths with Rain or Shine in a best-of-seven finals series for the 38th PBA Philippine Cup title.

Even both coaches and players from respective teams agreed that it would be a grueling affair.

“Going up against the Rain or Shine team is going to be very difficult for us, they’re very consistent… something’s going to give,” TNT head coach Norman Black said in a press conference at Gateway Suites Monday afternoon.

“It’s going to be a battle, a war,” declared ROS coach Yeng Guiao, who has six championships across his name but has yet to win an all-Filipino title.

Defending champion Talk ‘N Text edged Rain or Shine by just three points in their lone encounter in the elimination round and both teams know things will only get tougher with a coveted crown at stake.

“I think this is going to be a hard-fought series and a physical one. We’re still hungry (to win). This is Rain or Shine’s second appearance in the finals and it says a lot. Personally I’m not going to take them lightly,” said veteran big man Ali Peek, whose match up with counterpart Beau Belga is also another thing to look forward to.

“Talk ‘N Text is a great offensive team that can play defense. I feel that my team is a great defensive team that can play offense. This is going to be interesting,” added Guiao.

Game 1 rolls off on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.