#PBA2015 PREVIEW: TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS vs KIA CARNIVAL – NO TEAM IS SAFE
The Talk N Text Tropang Texters have been great this conference, winning five of their six games so far. With new import Ivan Johnson, they are poised to maybe duplicate or even surpass the success they had in the 2014 Commish Cup. On the other hand, Kia, despite its 2-4 record, has become one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With its potent two-man combo of PJ Ramos and LA Revilla, the Carnival have been able to transcend their image as league doormats. Clearly, Kia has proven that no team is safe against them.
Here are some things to watch in this game:
- IVAN THE TERRIBLE
New import Ivan Johnson came into the PBA with a lot of baggage. He was banned from the KBL and was known for being a bit of a difficult player to deal with, but he was all business in TNT’s prior game, dropping a 32-10 double-double to lead the Texters past NLEX. He had a hard time containing Al Thornton, though, and he will have a big test here against PJ Ramos.
vs NLX: 32pts, 10rebs, 3stls, 1ast, 3 triples.
- BEST PG IN ASIA
A game after unloading a superb stat-line on the Ginebra Kings, Castro played really well again, hitting 4 threes on his way to 16 markers against NLX. Yes, TNT struggled in the fourth period, but Castro came up big anew, hitting the game-winning jumper that permanently deflated the Road Warriors. Without doubt, and with his improved three-point shooting, Castro is still the best PG in the continent.
Comm Cup stats: 19.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.3apg, 3.2 triples per game, 45.3 FG%, 50.0 3pt%
vs NLX: 16pts, 4rebs, 3asts, 4 triples, 6/12 FGs
- RDO DELIVERS
Ranidel De Ocampo, Castro’s teammate in Gilas Pilipinas, also starred against NLEX, hitting three treys on his way to 13 markers. In spite of his hot shooting, though, RDO does need to improve one thing — rebounding. He only grabbed 2 boards in 26 minutes of play.
Comm Cup stats: 12.2ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.8 triples per game, 35.5 3pt%, 47.5 FG%
vs NLX: 13pts, 2rebs, 0asts, 0stls, 3 triples
- OUTREBOUNDED
Speaking of rebounding, that was one big reason NLEX was able to rally in the fourth quarter against TNT. The Road Warriors simply ruled the battle of the boards in that game, outworking TNT on the glass, 56-35. Outside of Ivan Johnson and Harvey Carey, nobody else grabbed more than 4 rebounds for TNT.
Rebounding: NLX – 56, TNT – 35
Johnson + Carey = 21 rebs
Rest of TNT = 14 rebs
- PJ “EL GIGANTE” RAMOS
Against the PUR Hotshots, Ramos was practically unstoppable. The 7-3 behemoth recorded his fifth game with at least 32 points and 20 rebounds as Kia upset the defending champs. Moreover, he was able to get PUR import Daniel Orton into foul trouble, paving the way for the big Kia win.
Comm Cup stats: 33.3ppg, 19.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2bpg, 53.8 FG%
vs PUR: 32pts, 26rebs, 3asts, 2blks, 59.1 FG%
- REVILLA’S REVOLUTION
Former Green Archer LA Revilla also impressed against PUR. The 2013 second round pick unloaded a well-rounded effort against the Hotshots, cementing his status among the league’s better playmakers and highlighting Kia’s entertaining Mutt-and-Jeff combo with Ramos. If he can continue producing at a high level, Kia should be a threat in every game.
Comm Cup stats: 9.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, 40.8 FG%
vs PUR: 18pts, 6rebs, 7asts, 4stls, 60.0 FG%
- CEBUANO SENSATION
Cebu born and raised Eliud Poligrates was at his best against PUR. He recorded his best game of the conference so far, going for daring drives and hitting big three-pointers. In the process, he scored a season-high 15 points on 50% FG shooting. If he can be the reliable third option that Kia needs, the Carnival can spring a few more surprises this conference.
Comm Cup stats: 4.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.2apg, 37.0 FG%
vs PUR: 15pts, 1reb, 1ast, 50.0 FG%, 3 triples
- DEFENSE WINS
Aside from Ramos, Revilla, and Poligrates stepping up, another huge reason Kia did well was defense. Kia held PUR to one of their lowest outputs of the conference with just 84 points. The Carnival also forced 18 PUR turnovers, which they converted into 16 points off turnovers (PUR had just 4 pts off TOs). This was mainly because of Kia’s 8 steals. If the Carnival can continue to be really aggressive on D, they have a fair shot up pulling the rug from under the Texters.
Last game vs PUR: forced 18 turnovers and scored 16 pts off TOs
LA Revilla: 4 stls
JR Buensuceso: 2stls
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