Texters battle Energy today

Defending champion Talk ‘N Text tries to keep within striking distance of the top two teams today when the Tropang Texters battle Barako Bull even as Globalport seeks to extend its franchise-best winning streak to four in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Texters and the Energy take the floor at 5:45 p.m. with Talk ‘N Text hoping to boost its third-running slate to 5-2 and remain in contention for  a twice-to-beat privilege.

Barako Bull has lost its last five games after opening up with two victories, and another loss tonight could tell on the Energy in the long haul more so if San Mig Coffee upends the streaking Batang Pier in the 8 p.m. game.

Talk ‘N Text will be facing a Barako Bull side that was rejuvenated by the return of point guard Denok Miranda, who almost succeeded in leading the Energy past the Mixers last Tuesday.

Miranda was absent in the previous four losses but was back quarterbacking the Energy in a narrow  88-90 loss to San Mig, which is hoping to take the momentum of that win against the Batang Pier.

Incidentally, Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos was fined P30,000 by the Office of the Commissioner yesterday for issuing statements that blasted officiating in that loss to the Mixers.

Talk ‘N Text will also be coming off a tough win, a similar two-point decision of Rain or Shine.

“We have to contain their outside shooters, especially Ronjay Buenafe,” said TNT coach Norman Black in a text message.

Winning tonight would put the Texters within a full game of the second-running Barangay Ginebra Kings at the halfway mark of the elimination round. Ginebra is at 6-1, while Petron Blaze is at 7-0.

Talk ‘N Text has the edge on paper and is the more athletic team with Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag and Kelly Williams forming the core. Danny Seigle also faces his former team for the first time.