ONE HOT SERIES
Expect no love lost between the two squads when Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine once again clash in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinal series in the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With the conclusion of Game 1 featuring a heated argument between Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao and TNT import Richard Howell, the already chippy duel is primed to feature more heated moments.
Guiao was arguing with the referees on a non-call in an out-of-bounds play until Howell walked in front of him, triggering a surge of emotions that necessitated both sides to be separated.
The episode just might be a preview of the things to come in this semifinal matchup, as the Tropang Texters now lead the series, 1-0, after a 91-85 Game 1 win on Monday.
“I think that will probably be the way the series is gonna go,” Black said. “It’s gonna be intense, it’s gonna be physical, it’s gonna be rugged. I think we just have to do a good job of controlling our emotions and our composure, focusing on playing basketball.”
He adds, “I think this is just the beginning. I think you can expect more of this type of basketball in this series.”
For his part, Guiao will try to even the series at one game apiece when these two teams faceoff 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“We had control of this game in the third quarter, but there are some defensive breakdowns that caused us to lose our momentum,” he said.
“One thing is certain: we feel we can beat this team, and we’ll try again on Wednesday. We’ll give it a better try on Wednesday with Gabe (Norwood) coming in to play,” Guiao added.
Norwood returns to the E-Painters squad after missing Game 1 to attend the state dinner for US President Barack Obama in Malacanang.
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