TALK ‘N Text, getting more accustomed to the system of Norman Black, tries to pull farther away from the pack today when the Tropang Texters lock horns with Barako Bull in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defending champion Texters gun for a fifth straight win in the 5:15 p.m. game even as Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee clash for the first time after their epic seven-game Governors’ Cup title series that the Elasto Painters won.
Talk ‘N Text will be facing a veteran-laden side in the Energy, who could keep their place in the middle of the standings with an upset of the Texters.
The Texters have the same lineup that has dominated the league in the past two seasons, but are playing like a new crew because of Black’s deliberate style compared to their old “dribble drive” philosophy under Chot Reyes.
But after having solved some communication problems two games into the tournament, Talk ‘N Text is the same, old fearsome team as evidenced by its 85-74 conquest of the Mixers last Saturday in Antipolo.
Larry Fonacier led four other players in twin digits with 26 that night, including four triples as the Texters shot better from three-point zone than from the two-point area, making 9-of-20 attempts.
Jason Castro could also prove to be a match-up problem for Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi, who might end up sacrificing Ronald Tubid’s offensive contributions if he throws him to handle Castro.
Danny Seigle has also not yet exploded offensively for the Energy this season. He sat out Barako Bull’s first game because of an injury.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine shoots for a third straight win in its clash with the Mixers, who looked so out of synch against the Texters in Antipolo that they are again labelled as the slight underdogs against the Painters.
This will be the first meeting between the two clubs, or ever since the Painters broke through in the Governors’ Cup even with eventual Rookie of the Year Paul Lee—Rain or Shine’s best player—sitting out the final five games.
Jeff Chan is the best offensive option for the Painters, who are relying on Jireh Ibañes and Gabe Norwood to shut down the opposition’s top guns, which, in this case, would be former two-time MVP James Yap.