NOT A TIME TO LOSE FOCUS
As emotional as their final eliminations game against Alaska might have been, Talk ‘N Text sure had the last laugh as the Texters downed the Aces and took the second twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.
“Malaking advantage yun kasi isang panalo na lang ang kailangan mo. Yun naman ang gusto ng lahat, makapunta sa top two,” said Tropang Texters forward Ranidel de Ocampo. “Kailangan na lang namin i-maximize yung advantage na yun.”
As evidenced by their intense game, De Ocampo said they cannot rest on their laurels and they must keep on grinding until they find out who their opponent will be.
“Wala namang mahinang team eh. Kahit nasa baba ng standings, malakas pa rin,” he said, as the likes of Alaska and San Miguel, teams which fought in the Philippine Cup Finals, as well as dangerous squads like Kia, Barako Bull, and GlobalPort, are all still vying for a spot in the playoffs.
“Go hard lang kami sa practice at focus sa gagawin namin.”
It helps them that their import Ivan Johnson has been a rock for Talk ‘N Text, as the mercurial big man has been posting huge double-doubles this conference punctuated by his 47-point, 10-rebound performance against Alaska.
“Ok naman sya sa sistema ni coach. Ang hirap nga ng ginagawa nya na nakikipag-girian sya at nakikipag-asaran habang nakakapaglaro sya ng maayos eh,” said de Ocampo.
Going into the big battles ahead, RDO believes the Texters justxhave to remember one thing.
“Focus lang siguro. Yun ang kailangan namin,” he said. (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
