Chief rivals step up bid at old Rizal venue

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text, B-MEG Derby Ace and Alaska Milk seek to improve their standings in the upper half of the chart while Air21 tries to climb out of the cellar at the return today of the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tropang Texters and the Express battle at 5 p.m. then Llamados and the Aces clash at 7:30 p.m. marking the PBA’s third visit to the government-owned multi-purpose venue inside the sprawling Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Talk n Text, with its star-studded lineup, is heavily favored over the struggling Air21 team.

Coach Chot Reyes and his troops go for an eighth straight win in an attempt to catch up with front-running San Miguel Beer at 10-2.

“We need to limit their fastbreak points so our transition defense will be key,” said Reyes, not taking Air21 lightly.

The Express are tied with the Barako Energy Coffee Masters in the cellar at 2-10, in danger of missing the playoffs.

“We’re fighting to stay alive, but for as long as we’re alive, we’ll be there fighting,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

The Llamados and the Aces are tipped to figure in a fierce battle as they did in their initial encounter.

“We feel, as a team, we’ve been making strides forward and we’re developing although we did take a step backwards against Ginebra (last Saturday). We hope to start moving forward again against Derby Ace,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

“I see progress in our offensive game and hopefully it will continue. At this point in the conference, we want to fine-tune our offense and ensure that our defense will remain constant,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Aces nipped the Llamados, 83-81, in their previous meeting held at the Xavier University gym in Cagayan de Oro last April 17.

“The last time we faced each other, we had Willie (Miller) and they had a different import (Lorenzo Wade), so the dynamics has changed for both teams,” said Cone.

“Their transition game has improved dramatically with the entry of Cyrus Baguio. We must limit their fastbreak points to increase our chances of winning,” said Gregorio.

The Llamados are looking to regain a share of third place with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 7-4 while the Aces are out to dislodge the Llamados at fourth.