Shaky Texters seek repeat over Boosters

MANILA, Philippines—Talk N Text gained a head start in the semifinal clash with Petron Blaze but TNT coach Chot Reyes is more concerned on how his team could deliver a potent finishing kick.

Reyes hopes none of the shaky windup in the best-of-seven series opener would transpire again when the Tropang Texters tangle with the Petron Blaze Boosters Saturday in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

The Tropang Texters nipped the Boosters in Game 1, 87-83, but not after Petron rimmed out a couple of critical shots and Larry Fonacier sank some clutch freethrows that proved decisive in the end.

“It was a very disappointing way to finish. We should close games out better,” said Reyes after finding a savior in Fonacier, who exploded for 22 points, 15 of them from three-point range.

Luckily, the TNT defense held up, giving Alex Cabagnot and Dennis Miranda little space to operate and unleash their endgame forays.

Still, Cabagnot did some damage.

Scoreless in the first half, Cabagnot had 11 in the third and added nine in the fourth, his last two free throws pulling the Boosters within four with 1:22 left.

“weknew they were going to Cabagnot. We need to do a better job on him in Game 2,” said Reyes.

Expect Jason Castro, Jared Dillinger and Ryan Reyes to apply more pressure on Cabagnot and Miranda although another area that TNT needs to take care of is the matchup in the middle.

It will be another epic battle on protecting the rim with Ali Peek, Ranidel De Ocampo and Harvey Carey ranged against Danny Ildefonso, Rob Reyes and Nonoy Baclao.

TNT’s Jimmy Alapag, in and out of the injury list, is still feeling his way around while Arwind Santos, Petron’s double-double machine, could come out with more fire after netting only 10 points in Game 1.

“We have no legit center except for Ali. It’s important for us to have a presence inside and that’s what he gives us. He plugs the middle for us,” said Reyes.

“I think it’s important to get Ali, Ranidel and Jimmy to play as the series goes on,” added Reyes, who didn’t have the luxury of using his injured superstars in the eliminations.

But then again, defense will ultimately spell the difference.

“In a very critical series such as this, the focus is to be able to
make stops,” said Reyes.