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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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05
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03
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
05
03
2024
Purefoods Star and Talk n Text, among the PBA’s most riveting matchups, engage in another highly-anticipated battle, slugging it out in one side of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four beginning Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
To many, it’s the matchup to watch in these PBA post-elims plays.
Purefoods coach Tim Cone calls it a whale of a series while Talk n Text coach Jong Uichico says it’s a playoff where every game is “must win.”
Game One is set at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The two teams have provided a glimpse of the unfolding battle as they went through a triple-overtime grind in their elims tussle.
Denzel Bowles gave the Hotshots tremendous lift in the three extra periods as they outlasted the Tropang Texters, 118-117, in their elims faceoff last March 14 in Davao City.
The two teams have had other epic clashes, including the Finals of this tourney last year and the semifinals of the succeeding Governors’ Cup.
Purefoods prevailed on both occasions, making Talk n Text so eager to strike back at the Hotshots and get a shot at a first crown in six conferences.
The Texters have a combination of grizzled warriors and reliable young stars to pit against James Yap and company now.
“It’s a struggle to contain all of TnT’s weapons. That will be our challenge,” said Cone.
Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Kevin Alas and the returning Jay Washington have proven to be key additions to Talk n Text’s old nucleus including Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, Larry Fonacier, Harvey Carey, Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes and Aaron Aban.
Meanwhile, Cone deserves a lot of credit for his ability to keep his team fresh and sharp though playing extended conferences at least in the last two years.
Purefoods’ immediate goal is return to the Finals after seeing the end of their four-peat championship last conference.
Bowles wants another PBA championship, but he is up for a tough battle against the sweet-shooting Ivan Johnson.
The former Atlanta Hawk’s game has been on a steady rise, a major factor in Talk n Text’s sweep of its last three games against San Miguel Beer, Alaska and Barako Bull.
He marked those last three games with 19 big three-pointers.
Through the quarterfinals, Johnson averages 33.8 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.7 steals.
On the other hand, Bowles, a one-time PBA Best Import awardee, norms 31.29 points, 13.57 boards, 4.0 assists and 2.86 blocks.
Cone insists it’s going to be tough but at the same time it should be fun. (SB)
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