#PBA2015 PREVIEW: BARANGAY GINEBRA vs. TALK ‘N TEXT — TIME TO LEVEL UP FOR FAMILIAR RIVALS
It could well be about readiness as Talk ‘N Text and Barangay Ginebra clash in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the MOA Arena, with both teams looking for consistency in their game.
“Parang de susi. Hindi ko maintindihan ang mentality,” said Brgy. Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin.
“We still have a lot to get better on,” said his Talk ‘N Text counterpart Jong Uichico.
Both coaches are far from satisfied even with the Tropang Texters within striking distance of the league leaders at 3-1 and the Kings winning their last two games against the San Miguel Beermen and the Kia Carnival.
Results of their head-on matches in the Philippine Cup weren’t conclusive with the Kings fashioning out a 101-81 rout in the elims then the Texters getting even at 83-67 in the quarterfinals.
Thus it could really be a question of preparedness as the two teams mix it up at 5:15 p.m.
“Masusubukan kami sa Sunday kung gaano na kami kahanda,” said Agustin.
Against the Carnival Friday night, the Kings needed a big push in the fourth quarter to carve out a 100-92 decision.
“Last game, ang ganda ng takbo namin. First half in this (Kia) game, nawala sila sa defensive rules namin. Pero at least bumawi sa second half,” said Agustin last Friday.
Meanwhile, Talk ‘N Text banked on its outside gunners to buck Sol Alabi’s dominant presence at the paint as the Tropang Texters stopped the Barako Bull Energy’s unbeaten run, pulling off an 80-75 win Wednesday.
Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Willie Miller and Ranidel de Ocampo combined for 11-of-26 three-pointers, negating Alabi’s 21-point and 23-rebound performance as the Tropang Texters bounced back from a loss to the Meralco Bolts the last time out and caught up with the Energy at 3-1.
Still, Uichico expressed some concerns, ruing their meager 33-point production in the second half.
“We had a good first half but I don’t think we had a good second half. We’re up 47-37 at the half, and…..,” said Uichico, implying it should have been a rout already for his team.
“They just missed some shots in the end and we escaped with the win,” Uichico pointed out.
Down by four at 75-79 with 1:04 left to play, Barako Bull bungled three chances to make it a one-possession game on missed layups by JC Intal and RR Garcia.
The Tropang Texters sealed their third win after earlier victories over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Blackwater Elite on a charity by Matt Rosser with nine ticks to go.
After squandering their 10-point halftime lead, TNT leaned on timely three-pointers by Fonacier and Castro to keep their head above water.
But Uichico insisted he’s not satisfied.
“We’ve got to improve on both ends. We’ve got to find a way to get more points on the board,” said Uichico.
Uichico, however, would not call Howell’s attention for making measly 11 points.
“He plays hard, he’s very coachable and he’s delivering the way we’re using him,” said Uichico. “He gives us decent numbers. He made just 11 (against Barako) as we’re not going to him.”
The one-time PBA Best Import awardee took only eight field-goal attempts and made five as the Tropang Texters went to their outside shooters in an effort to open up Barako Bull’s interior defense. (SB)
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