UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT REVISITED
Among the most harrowing playoff experiences Talk n Text has had was being the playoff top seed bungling a twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantage versus Barangay Ginebra.
The memory of then dominant rookie Asi Taulava crying unabashedly as Ginebra whooped it up in celebration will be forever etched in the minds of those who witnessed the game.
That moment will be revisited as the Tropang Texters and the Gin Kings have again found themselves in the same matchup as in their 1999 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals showdown.
The Texters hope to slay the ghost of that shattering past while the Kings look to relive that glorious moment.
Talk n Text goes for the kill while Ginebra tries to force a rubber match as they clash at 8 p.m. Tuesday night in Day Two of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup post-elims play.
The Texters swept their elimination-round assignments, but coach Norman Black is concerned with their long layoff.
“We have been off for a while so we are looking forward to getting back on the floor,” said Black, not taking the Kings lightly.
“Ginebra is always tough because they are tall and talented, and they have the crowd support. You add in the intensity of Gabe Freeman and they will be a difficult foe,” Black pointed out.
“For us, defense will be the key. We have to defend, rebound and try to limit their fastbreak opportunities,” Black added.
One big positive factor for the Texters is the return of Richard Howell.
“Richard has been attending regular practice and is ready to go,” said Black of his import who was sidelined by an injury in their last two games.
Howell will be a big problem for Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar as Freeman will be a major concern for the TnT wing guys.
Freeman wreaked havoc in the first half before tiring down in the final half in a 101-105 loss by Ginebra in overtime to Rain or Shine Sunday.
With Leon Rodgers as import, the Kings bowed to the Tropang Texters, 87-94, in their match last March 23.
Going to their rematch, the Kings are still trying to get their game going, having won only three of nine games in the elims.
Black, however, insists the Kings can’t be counted out. (SB)
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.
