Texters, Realtors duel in last game of year

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text and Sta. Lucia Realty clash today at the Astrodome in their last game in the year about to end with both teams determined to come out triumphant to welcome the new year on a winning note.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine and Barako Bull slug it out in the other game, both looking for victory in a bid to improve their woeful campaigns in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup.

The Elasto Painters and the Energy Boosters tangle at 5 p.m. then the Texters and the Realtors mix it up at 7:30 p.m. in the penultimate playdate of the all-Filipino tourney this year.

Talk n Text and Sta. Lucia are in the thick of the fight for at least outright quarterfinal berths while Rain or Shine and Barako Bull are fighting it out with Coca-Cola to avoid early ouster in the tourney.

The Texters and the Realtors, separated by just a game behind the front-running San Miguel Beermen (12-3) and Alaska Milk Aces (11-2), are wary at each other.

“We haven’t beaten them in over two years. We have to be deeply focused on the game if we’re to beat them,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“Sta. Lucia is playing as well as any team in the league right now. We will be hard pressed to stay with them considering our injuries,” said TnT coach Chot Reyes.

With a complete lineup, the Texters walloped the Realtors, 100-83, in their previous encounter.

Forward Jared Dillinger, however, is currently out while point guard Jimmy Alapag is playing with a hamstring injury.

Alapag, however, came through with 17 points to help the Texters upend the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, 101-98, in a road game in Cagayan de Oro last Saturday.

Alapag, however, is tipped to face tough challenge against Sta. Lucia guards Ryan Reyes and Jason Urbiztondo.

Reyes has been a steady force while Urbiztondo is coming off back-to-back 20-point games for the Realtors.

An undrafted rookie, Urbiztondo played an inspired game while ranged against the eminent Johnny Abarrientos Wednesday, giving SLR tremendous boost in a 93-88 victory over the Kings.