Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 78
TEXTERS EYE ONE-GAME DEAL VS. EXPRESS
Warning: Undefined variable $column_strips in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 153
Warning: Undefined variable $nocontent in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 236
Warning: Undefined variable $iscovid in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 239
Warning: Undefined variable $FEAT_STORIES in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 685
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 688
Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 730
TALK N Text coach Norman Black knows a twice-to-beat advantage carries with it little guarantees when faced with a determined opponent.
That is why Black and his Tropang Texters intend to be on their toes when tangle with the Air21 Express Thursday in their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defending champions come into the match needing to win only once to advance to the semifinals while their rivals are looking to force a decider.
For Black, the seemingly easy assignment against a team his crew has already beaten twice is easier said than done.
“We all know Air21 is very dangerous and can pull off a win against anybody on any given night,” said Black. “We should take good care of our own end right now and not let this series be dragged into another game.”
The matchup was forged after TNT wound up the eliminations topnotcher by winning all but two of their games. Two of those victories came at the expense of Air21 via 96-89 and 100-94 counts.
The team which debuted as Shopinas.com last season, though saddled with the handicap as No. 8, is bent on prolonging its campaign.
“Tough task ahead of us, but we have to seize the moment and enjoy playing in the quarterfinals. We really need a collective effort from everybody to slow them down,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
The Express almost did in their second game by also utilizing a fast-paced transition offense that kept them in the thick of the fight, only to be foiled when Jimmy Alapag strung up five straight points that bailed the Texters out of a 90-89 count.
Although he dislocated his left thumb in the course of an 87-80 win over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, Alapag is still expected to suit up and give Jayson Castro some relief time with Black also banking on Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams, Ali Peek and Larry Fonacier.
As he did in their second game, Mike Cortez is again expected to spearhead Air21, as well as KG Canaleta, who exploded for a season-high 41 points in the Express’ 113-92 win over GlobalPort closing out their elims campaign. (NC)
Warning: Undefined array key "TESTPAGE" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 254
Warning: Undefined array key "fb" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 280
Warning: Undefined variable $thinq in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 318
Warning: Undefined variable $var_sports_vlurb in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 328
Warning: Undefined variable $mindanaoQuake2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 442
Warning: Undefined variable $showSolicit_batanes in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 459
Warning: Undefined variable $seagames in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 475
Warning: Undefined variable $tokyoOlympics2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 481
Warning: Undefined variable $help_taal in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 490
Warning: Undefined variable $help_ompong in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 525
Warning: Undefined variable $elections_2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 538
Warning: Undefined variable $typhoon_2018_redirect in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 543
Warning: Undefined variable $ncov2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 555
Warning: Undefined variable $tyhoon2020_marthon in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 578
Warning: Undefined variable $dotnet23 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 585
Warning: Undefined variable $suicide in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 595
Warning: Undefined variable $yearend2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 600
Warning: Undefined array key "inqplus_test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 609
Warning: Undefined array key "newreadnext" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 664
Warning: Undefined array key "test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 802
EDITORS' PICK
Warning: Undefined variable $data_for_HompageFG_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 816
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 819
Warning: Undefined variable $MR_data_for_obj in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, null given in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 850
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
Warning: Undefined variable $bc_tag in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 1239