TNT, ALASKA BREAK STANDOFF

Warning: Undefined variable $nocontent in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 236

Warning: Undefined variable $iscovid in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 239

Warning: Undefined variable $FEAT_STORIES in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 685

Warning: foreach() argument must be of type array|object, bool given in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 688

Warning: Undefined array key 0 in /var/www/pba/single2017/addfunction-ondemand-gitlab-taboola.php on line 730

The PBA Yuletide special presentation continues Wednesday with Talk n Text and Alaska breaking their one-game standoff in the Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Tropang Texters remain the odds-on pick although the Aces set out for Game 3 enjoying some momentum and positive vibes brought by their 100-88 victory in the previous match Friday.

Their close loss in the series opener and their morale-boosting win in the next game have made the Aces more convinced they have what it takes to pull the rug from under the Texters.

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo has no illusion, however, that things would be easier in the coming nights.

Both the Aces and the Texters brace for another battle set at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday.

“They’re going to come out and play hard every game. Our best chance is to get it to a Game Seven,” said Trillo, maintaining they would have the chance if they’re able to play their tempo.

“They’re so talented that we can’t outscore them. We’re playing them well because we’re playing to our identity,” Trillo pointed out after they got even Friday.

“We did a good job on Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo. Jimmy didn’t get his usual shots. Ranidel wasn’t there either. We attacked him early and got him into foul trouble. If Ranidel was there, Talk n Text would’ve been a different team,” said Trillo on their defensive brilliance.

Keeping the two Talk n Text stalwarts in check is among the Aces’ objectives in Game Three.

“You don’t want to wake up a sleeping dog,” said Trillo.

Curiously, the Alaska-TnT series is proving to be a battle, far more than the San Mig Coffee-Rain or Shine confrontation. Each of the first three games of the other series had been one-sided.

The Aces battled the Tropang Texters toe-to-toe in the first three quarters before finding ways to assert their game in the payoff period Friday.

Jayvee Casio rifled in five treys and finished with a team-high 22 points while Calvin Abueva churned out another double-double game with 20 markers and 14 boards as the Aces sent the series back to scratch.

“Talk n Text was able to impose their game in the first half. The second half was more of our own tempo. We were able to establish Sonny Thoss in the paint and attack our matchup advantage,” said Trillo.

“It’s crucial we were able to tie it after two games. We’re off in the next four days and we have the opportunity to refresh and see what adjustments we need to do for the next game,” Trillo added.

Casio and Abueva outplayed Alapag and De Ocampo as the Aces avenged their 65-66 loss in the series opener.

Cyrus Baguio, Thoss and Gabby Espinas were also there, playing their roles. The three combined for 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

De Ocampo got into foul trouble situation early and was limited to playing 17 minutes. Alapag, meanwhile, played 31 minutes but bled for his points, going 1-of-11 from the field.

The Aces made crucial romps in the second half, eventually seizing control at 89-78 on a 14-4 spurt fuelled by Abueva and RJ Jazul. (SB)

Warning: Undefined array key "TESTPAGE" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 254

Warning: Undefined array key "fb" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 280

Warning: Undefined variable $thinq in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 318

Warning: Undefined variable $var_sports_vlurb in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 328

Warning: Undefined variable $mindanaoQuake2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 442

Warning: Undefined variable $showSolicit_batanes in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 459

Warning: Undefined variable $seagames in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 475

Warning: Undefined variable $tokyoOlympics2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 481

Warning: Undefined variable $help_taal in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 490

Warning: Undefined variable $help_ompong in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 525

Warning: Undefined variable $elections_2019 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 538

Warning: Undefined variable $typhoon_2018_redirect in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 543

Warning: Undefined variable $ncov2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 555

Warning: Undefined variable $tyhoon2020_marthon in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 578

Warning: Undefined variable $dotnet23 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 585

Warning: Undefined variable $suicide in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 595

Warning: Undefined variable $yearend2020 in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 600

Warning: Undefined array key "inqplus_test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 609

Warning: Undefined array key "newreadnext" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 664

View comments

TAGS:

Warning: Undefined variable $bc_tag in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 1239

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

Warning: Undefined array key "ss2_test" in /var/www/pba/single2017/body-gitlab.php on line 1418