Tigers dogged by Texters

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

DEFENDING champion Talk ‘N Text tries to establish a commanding 3-0 against Powerade Tigers Wednesday in game three of the best-of-seven titular series of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters remained firm in the crucial stretch to beat the Tigers, 102-96, and posted a 2-0 upperhand in the Finals, which moved them two wins away from becoming the first team in 27 years to retain an All-Filipino crown.

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“What we just did is lead 2-0. But it’s still a long way to go. We have to win four to wrap the series. We have to keep a disciplined mind if we’re to sustain our charges and achieve our ultimate goal,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

Follow-up

Their victory was a fitting follow-up of their 116-100 rout over Powerade in the opening game last Friday in Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Larry Fonacier, Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes Kelly Williams, Ali Peek, Jason Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo are again expected to lead the Tropang Texters charges against Powerade’s Gary David, Marcio Lassiter, Sean Anthony, Doug Kramer, William Antonio, Rommel Adducul and rookie JV Casio.

Performance

The 6’1 guard David scored again 30 points in game two, his 11th time to go beyond 30 in the playoffs.

“Gary David scored 30 points, but we were able to stop the other guys. You really can not stop David, you just have to withstand him,” added Reyes, the five-time Coach of the Year.

But Powerade coach Bo Perasol remains optimistic of their chances, saying as long as it’s not over yet they will keep on fighting.

“It does not matter whether we are behind in the series. We have still a chance and we will be there fighting,” said Perasol, who is aiming for the Tigers third title since 2002.