Texters try to end finals series tonight

Saturday, January 28, 2012

MANILA—After getting derailed the other day, defending champion Talk ‘N Text will again shoot for its fifth crown when it faces Powerade in Game 5 of the best-of-seven titular series of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Coach Chot Reyes said he will see to it that there will be no more mistakes on the part of the Tropang Texters in their 6 p.m. encounter against the Tigers, who rose from the grave to win Game 4, 100-97, last Friday.

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“There is definite cause for concern. We cannot come out soft again. We can’t give a team like Powerade a chance now,” said Reyes, who is aiming for his 8th championship title in the league.

A win by Tropang Texters will enable them to become the first team in 27 years to retain an All-Filipino crown and renew their bid for a Grand slam, which was foiled by Petron Blaze last year.

The 6’1” guard Gary David, a 20th overall pick by Coca-Cola in 2004, lived-up to his billing as the All-Filipino conference “Best Player” when he led the Tigers with 35 points, five rebounds and three assists to live for another day, 1-3.

“We will make some adjustments in game 5. And we will just play our game, we don’t have pressure even if we are still down 3-1,” said the 33-year-old David, who scored 30 points or more for the 14th time in the playoffs.