CHASING THE TWICE-TO-BEAT EDGE
Staying good, and staying right behind the leader.
Rain or Shine and Talk n Text have that same mission as they clash for the second time in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday.
In topbilling this Petron Blaze Saturday Special, the Elasto Painters and the Tropang Texters fight to improve their record in the Top Four.
They mix it up at 5:15 p.m. with the red-hot Elasto Painters chasing a fifth straight victory and the Tropang Texters out to spark a new run after dropping two of their last three assignments.
Rain or Shine lost its initial match with Talk n Text, 87-90, but the E-Painters have since gone on a hot streak, winning all their next four games versus the Petron Blaze Boosters, the Barako Bull Energy, the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers and the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
With an 8-3 win-loss record, the E-Painters are right behind the pacesetting Barangay Ginebra Kings (9-2) with a good shot at a Top Two finish in the elimination round.
At 7-4, the Texters are still in the hunt for the Top Two and the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. They’re no longer in complete control of their fate, though.
Fully aware of their delicate situation, Talk n Text coach Norman Black said they would just try to win as many games they can and be ready for whichever team they face in the quarters.
“Wherever we land at the end of the elims, so be it. The important is to build momentum for the playoffs,” said Black.
If they fail to improve from their current No. 4 spot, the three-time defending champs figure in a best-of-three quarters series versus the fifth seed.
They have a tough closing grind, facing Rain or Shine Saturday, San Mig Coffee on January 17 and Barangay Ginebra two nights later.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine’s last three assignments are Talk n Text, Meralco and Air21.
Talk n Text recovered after squandering a 21-point spread, standing its ground in a battle at the finish and pulling through in the end versus Rain or Shine in their first meeting. (SB)
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