TEXTERS SHOOT FOR SEMIS SEAT

Coming off of a highly emotional battle against Alaska before claiming the second twice-to-beat incentive, second-seed Talk ‘N Text now shifts its focus to cunning Barako Bull as the two teams open their quarterfinal duel Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Behind the monster performance of Ivan Johnson, the Tropang Texters seek to make the most of their one-game edge and get to the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a win over the Energy.

Game time is at 3:00 p.m.

Coach Jong Uichico said that the heated affair with the Aces was just a precursor of what’s to come in the playoffs.

“Part of the playoffs yun. The emotion and intensity are so high because the teams want to get to somewhere,” he said.

Now enjoying the twice-to-beat edge, Uichico said that his squad should not be complacent with their pairing with the Energy.

“At least you’ve got the probability on your side, pero we should just remain on our toes,” he said.

Barako Bull, on the other hand, nabbed a huge win against NLEX to wrap up its eliminations campaign, and in the process, stopped the Road Warriors’ five-game winning run.

Drawing great outings from import Solomon Alabi and Chico Lanete, what pumped Banal more was Sol Mercado’s decision and resolve to defend high-scoring NLEX reinforcement Al Thornton, limiting the NBA veteran to just 24 points in Barako Bull’s 91-85 conquest.

“Sa amin, yun na ang pinakasimple. Yung panalo ang nagpapasok sa amin sa quarters,” said Banal, as the Energy escaped the prospects of being stuck in a multi-team tie which would allow the quotient system to be put into play. “The players showed the desire not just to finish the conference but to live another day.”

Talk ‘N Text beat Barako Bull, 80-75, in the eliminations with Richard Howell still suiting up for the Tropang Texters. (RL)

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