Giants tall order for Pals

The Jimmy Alapag-Paul Artadi fight has triggered a word war between coaches Derrick Pumaren and Ryan Gregorio, and this could well lead to a fiercer battle between Talk n Text and Purefoods Chunkee at the resumption of their TnT PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals showdown at the Ynares Center today.

Like Talk n Text and Purefoods, Sta. Lucia Realty and Red Bull dispute the go-ahead win as they clash in Game Three of their own best-of-five quarters duel in the Antipolo playing venue.

Gregorio labeled Alapag as an "acknowledged flopper" and branded as "malicious and offensive" the statement made by Pumaren after the fight-marred Game Two Wednesday at the Astrodome.

After the game that saw the ejection of Alapag in the closing seconds after hitting Artadi on the face, Pumaren said the Commissioner’s Office should look into things that led to his player’s action.

"The game’s over. Who knows he did that on purpose," said Pumaren on Artadi clipping Alapag’s feet and at the same time clinging on to the TnT guard’s shorts.

In reviewing the game tape, PBA technical chief Perry Martinez also saw Artadi doing a kicking motion. Gregorio, however, stressed "we just play tough basketball even if we’re down."

The tumultuous match netted Alapag a one-game suspension and a fine of P20,000. Roger Yap was also slapped a P10,000 fine for rushing from the bench to the court.

"Jimmy’s case is heavy since he made his action while already being prevented by the referees," said Martinez.

Calling Alapag a "flopper," Gregorio said the Talk n Text guard did just that, causing nose injury to Marc Pingris.

Pingris missed practice yesterday and would need to wear a protective facemask to be able to play today.

Talk n Text second-string guard Felix Belano will be put in the spotlight, filling the shoes of Alapag as the Pals seek a follow-up to the 110-92 rout of the Giants in Game Two.

Alapag averages 7.2 assists (the best in the league), 11.6 points and 2.8 rebounds a game. Minus Alapag, Gregorio, however, still considers his team the underdog. "We’ve seen them in Game Two. Their second unit is as strong as their first team. They won despite Asi Taulava playing only 18 minutes and scoring two points," said Gregorio.

"But we’re used to this situation. We’ve won championship with this lineup. Laban kami," Gregorio added.