Calvin Abueva of Alaska drives past Sean Anthony of TNT during their first-round game on Nov. 28. The Texters won, 114-111. RODEL ROTONI
MANILA, Philippines — Talk N’ Text clashes with Alaska Saturday in a crucial game which could determine the defending champion Tropang Texters’ chances of bagging a top-two slot in the PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup playoffs at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
With front-running Barangay Ginebra close to three games up on both teams, the Tropang Texters need to dominate in their last five games in order to have a shot at bagging at least No. 2. And they need to start the roll in their 3:30 p.m. clash with the dangerous Aces in a Petron Saturday Special game.
Alaska also needs to win games in a string to be able to remain in the upper half of the standings and gain a fair assignment in the quarterfinals.
Meralco and Air21 clash in a virtual game of survival at 5:45 p.m.
“It’s a big game for both teams because we are closing in on the end of the elimination round,” said coach Norman Black, who is trying to steer the Texters to an unprecedented fourth straight PH Cup championship.
“It’s that time that you want to build some momentum and confidence going into the playoffs and display killer instinct,” he added. “All-out energy will be needed against Alaska.”
Black has the complement of a complete lineup for just the second game this season. And he needs it badly considering that the Aces are one of the loaded teams in all positions.
A win by Talk ‘N Text would put the Texters on equal footing with the idle Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, just a full game behind No. 2 Petron Blaze with all three squads left with only four matches to play.
Finishing No. 1 or 2 carries a distinct advantage in the first round. The top two not only need to beat Nos. 8 and 7, respectively, just once in the quarterfinals, they would both be better rested considering their next foes would be coming from a best-of-three series.
Meanwhile, the cellar-dwelling Express are in dire need of a win to fan whatever hopes they have of making it past this round.
With a 2-8 card, Air21, which has had so many close calls, would need no less than a sweep of its last four assignments to make it to the playoffs.
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