Petron, TnT face off in clash of titans

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze and Talk n Text clash in a keenly awaited rematch today, seen as a virtual extension of their PBA Governors Cup best-of-seven title showdown.

“We battled seven full games in the third conference finals. This is Game Eight,” said Petron top gun Arwind Santos of the interesting showdown set at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters and the Texters are tied with the Barako Bull Energy at 3-1 going to the match, slugging it out for a share of Philippine Cup elimination-round lead with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-1).

“It’s a tough game especially with Petron coming off a loss. Before their last game, I thought they and Barako Bull were playing the best basketball in the league,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Petron suffered its first loss in the season only last Sunday when it bowed to Meralco, 70-80. Talk n Text succumbed to Barako, 86-100, on Oct. 19 but bounced back with a 96-94 decision over B-Meg in its next game.

What could well perk up the two teams, however, is the memory of their highly charged Governors Cup title showdown.

“I’m sure the intensity of the game will be as high as in the finals,” said Santos, the prolific Petron forward on a hot streak of double-double outings.

“But they could well be tougher to play with the improvement in their lineup. They’ve become taller and quicker with the addition of Japeth Aguilar,” Santos also said.

Santos and teammates slammed Talk n Text’s grand Triple Crown aspiration and completed a dream ride of their own with an 85-73 victory that netted them the 2011 Governors Cup championship.

The Texters are surely aching to get back at the Boosters.

Meralco and Alaska Milk square off in another interesting match at 5:15 p.m.

The Bolts welcome the return of Macmac Cardona and Reynel Hugnatan as they seek a fourth win in six starts against an Alaska side hoping to finally nail a breakthrough win in the season.