Texters expect big Beermen fightback

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text will try to press on, run the breaks and build a 2-0 cushion even as it steels itself for a big San Miguel Beer comeback in Game Two of the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship at the Cuneta Astrodome tonight.

“It’s a big, big game that will depend on our ability to cope with their adjustments and renewed intensity. We must play better than last time to have a chance,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

The Tropang Texters are determined to get a two-zero cushion as they expect tougher grind in Game Three in the absence of off-guard Ryan Reyes, who is set to leave for the United States to attend the burial of his younger brother Allan Raymond.

Reyes will depart right after Game Two, which the Beermen will treat as a do-or-die game in their bid to avoid falling in a 0-2 hole.

“We’re dead if they get the 2-0 lead,” said San Miguel coach Ato Agustin.

SMB top forward Jay Washington, who failed to finish Game One due to cramps, vows to come out smoking not only tonight but also in Game Three, hoping they can grab the lead at 2-1.

The Beermen wavered at crunch time without Washington, enabling the Tropang Texters to take the series, 91-82, last Saturday in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

Arwind Santos also suffered cramps towards the end of the third but was able to return and finish the game with double-double numbers.

“If anything, maybe because it’s hot out there. It had never happened to me before, cramping so early in the game,” said Washington.

Meanwhile, three teams - Talk n Text, Meralco and Alaska Milk - have chosen their imports for the second conference.

Talk n Text tapped Syracuse’s Paul Harris, Meralco acquired New Mexico’s Anthony Danridge and Alaska got former Chicago Bull Eddie Baden.

Technically, Talk n Text beat San Miguel in Game One with a pressing defense and a run-and-gun offense. The Texters outscored the Beermen, 19-8, on fastbreak.

“We’ll continue to press and try to run the breaks. If we can do that, we’ll be okay,” said Talk n Text chief playmaker Jimmy Alapag.

“We have to solve their defense. We lose precious time bringing down the ball with their press on our guards,” said Agustin.

The rookie SMB coach said they also have to find a good match-up for Jason Castro.

“Even before the series, I was thinking Jason would give us a big problem,” said Agustin.

Castro, a third-year pro from Philippine Christian U, is a tough match-up for any of the San Miguel guards, being quick and strong.

The 5-foot-10 Bacolod, Pampanga native put in a game-high 16 points plus five assists, two rebounds and two assists, playing 27 minutes off the bench.

Agustin may try Olsen Racela on Castro tonight. Racela was kept on the bench in Game One.