ALASKA STAKES UNBLEMISHED SLATE VS POWERHOUSE TALK N TEXT
The PBA Philippine Cup three-peat champs that they are, the Talk n Text Tropang Texters have good reasons to be wary of the Alaska Aces.
Alaska happens to be the team that gave Talk n Text the toughest challenge in the last tourney, and the Aces have improved even more, zooming to a 4-0 start in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Aces are on fire as they tangle with the Tropang Texters in the mid-season tourney at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
“Alaska is playing so well we just have to bring our A game if we want to come out with a win,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black, worrying much as they face the Aces at 7:30 p.m.
Black has their own inconsistent game to worry about as of late.
“It’s important that we start to find some consistency on defense because so far our effort has been up and down,” said Black.
“It’s also important that our import stays out of foul trouble because that has been a big part of our demise in our two losses,” Black added.
Talk n Text dropped its last game against San Mig Coffee, 82-90, Sunday, thus, falling two games off unbeaten pacesetter Alaska at 2-2.
It’s no surprise either that the Aces are also wary of the Texters.
“Last conference, they only had two losses for the entire elimination round of 14 games. We know they are going to come out with an extra sense of commitment and focus for our game,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
Nonetheless, Trillo looks forward to the game, their first meeting after their gripping semifinal showdown in the Philippine Cup.
The Texters needed six matches to hurdle the Aces in that playoff series. Many felt the Aces provided the Texters preparation and helped them sweep the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Finals.
“We do like our match-up with them. We both seem to bring out the best in each other,” Trillo said. (SB)
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