Petron faces Talk ‘N Text in knockout Game 7

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

IT’S a day of reckoning for the four semifinalists as Talk ‘N Text faces Petron and Powerade meets Rain or Shine today in a knockout match of the best-of-seven series of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

It will be the Elasto Painters against the Tigers at 5:15 p.m., while the Tropang Texters and the Blaze Boosters collide at 7:30 p.m. in the deciding Game 7 of the semifinal series.

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The defending titlist, Talk ‘N Text, came back from a 1-3 deficit to tie their pulsating showdown, 3-3, following its 111-108 win over Petron Blaze in Game 6 last Sunday.

But not to be outdone, the Elasto Painters kept their hope of making it to the finals for the first time since joining the league in 2006, by coming up with a 112-98 triumph and forcing a rubber match against the Tigers.

Reigning MVP Jimmy Alapag starred in the Tropang Texters relentless stand by firing 29 points on top of 10 assists and seven rebounds to post their second straight victory and their third in the semis.

“We will come out strong on Wednesday. We will be ready,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

For his part, Petron coach Ato Agustin urged his wards to  focus especially on defense, citing the series will be all about mental toughness.

“We need to correct our mistakes and lapses in Game 6. We will come back strong on Wednesday,” said Agustin.

Talk ‘N Text won Game 1 (87-83), but lost the next three games before coming back with a 93-91 win in Games 5 and 6.