PBA Finals: Talk ‘N Text seeks clincher again

INQUIRER PHOTO/ August dela Cruz

MANILA, Philippines – Powerade isn’t even looking at history while facing tremendous odds. All the Tigers want to do is prove that they belong in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

That was their mindset coming into Game 4, when being swept by the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters was a very strong possibility.

After barely avoiding a sweep Friday, the Tigers battle the powerhouse Texters again today, looking to stop their favored rivals from clinching the title and stay on course to complete the biggest turnaround in the history of Philippine sports.

Gametime is 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, and even though they will be coming off a 100-97 victory two nights ago, the odds are still stacked against their favor only because of Talk ‘N Text’s sheer advantage in manpower.

“We’re not even thinking of the next game,” coach Bo Perasol told reporters after the Game 4 win. “What we want is to show everyone that we can compete against a team like Talk ‘N Text.”

No team in the PBA has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit to win, but in organized sports around the world, the Boston Red Sox were able to pull off the feat against a powerhouse New York Yankees squad in the last decade.

But Perasol doesn’t even want to delve into replicating that.

“If we are going to think about one game, it’s doable,” Perasol continued. “Physically, mentally, they (his players) are tired. But they’re not even thinking about that.”

Gary David, named Best Player of the Conference before Game 4, is again expected to carry much of the scoring load for the Tigers.

David erupted for 35 points on Friday, the third straight game that he has hit 30 or more.

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes attributed the loss for the failure of his team to play to its strength, citing 35 three-point attempts when they should have taken play inside because of their advantage in the frontline.

“Yes, there is cause for concern because their bigs (big men) outplayed our bigs,” Reyes said. “We don’t have a match for their wingmen, so if their frontline outplays us, we’re in trouble.”