TEXTERS SHOOT FOR TOP 4 VS INSPIRED ENERGY
Talk n Text tries to claim an outright spot in the Top Four and a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals as the Tropang Texters lock horns with the Barako Bull Energy in the PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
The solo leader with a 5-1 win-loss card, the Texters will be out to dismiss all possible complications of a tie as they go for a fifth straight victory in their 8 p.m. tussle with the Energy.
But of course, Barako Bull can’t be taken lightly especially after springing out of a rut with a big win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier Sunday in Biñan, Laguna.
With new import Allen Durham, the Energy displayed new grit and spunk in a 122-98 mauling of the Batang Pier.
In Durham, the Energy seem to have gotten the inside presence they need to match up with all the teams out there.
The Euro League veteran put up triple-double numbers in his PBA debut, speaking well of his readiness to give Barako Bull the boost in the homestretch of the elims.
“Judging by what I saw in there against GlobalPort, we will have to find a way to control the inside game of Durham,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.
“Not only is he a good post player, but it’s his offensive rebounding that gives his teammates confidence in their outside shooting,” Black added.
Against Talk n Text, Durham will be up against Paul Harris, also a no-nonsense import who marked his PBA comeback with a splendid performance in the Texters’ 97-82 drubbing of the Batang Pier Friday.
For the whole team, their emphatic victory against GlobalPort could serve them well for their expected tough grind against the Texters – a team that they haven’t beaten for ages.
While the Texters are just out for formality of their Top Four finish, the Energy are fighting for survival at 2-5.
Barako Bull is currently tied with Meralco at eighth place, a game in front of GlobalPort (1-6).
Curiously, the Energy’s two wins came at the expense of the Bolts and the Batang Pier. Thus, the Barako Bull will have the edge in case of a tie with the two or either one of them. (SB)
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