MANILA—Talk N’ Text coach Chot Reyes wasn’t entirely correct when he said that it was only his team which had its fate in its hands.
For making the title series of the PBA Governors’ Cup with a workmanlike thrashing of Barangay Ginebra Sunday night, the Tropang Texters and Reyes actually handed Rain or Shine “control” of its own destiny heading into the final two days of the playoffs.
The Elasto Painters, bannered by the terrific Arizona Reid, have two games left in their schedule and could arrange a best-of-seven championship duel with the Grand Slam-seeking Texters by winning both.
Rain or Shine battles Alaska in the 7:45 p.m. contest Wednesday before colliding with the Gin Kings Friday night.
Petron Blaze will also be left out in the cold, due to an inferior quotient, even if the Boosters manage to win both their closing games—against B-Meg tomorrow and the Texters on Friday.
A 30-point loss to the Elasto Painters in the eliminations will seal Petron’s fate and allow Rain or Shine to earn a first crack at a PBA championship since joining the league five years ago.
Of the four squads still in the running, Alaska seems to be the team with least control.
Even if the Aces prevail over the Painters tomorrow, a Ginebra victory over Rain or Shine Friday night would give the Gin Kings the second title slot due to a higher quotient.
If they get the boot from Alaska, experts also feel that Rain or Shine may just offer a token resitance against Ginebra.
For Petron to reach the Finals, the Boosters must win their remaining two games and hope that Rain or Shine splits its final assignments.
But Talk ‘N Text is not going to make it easy for Petron Friday. Reyes probably would opt to eliminate the Boosters for they have the toughest local lineup from among those who are left in contention.
And with that, he probably has control of his team’s fate.