Tropang Texters stake solo PBA lead against Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Cup title protagonists Talk n Text and Powerade rekindle their rivalry tonight with both going all out for victory to fuel their respective playoff drive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petron Blaze and Alaska Milk clash in the 5:15 p.m. curtain raiser, breaking a three-way tie at fifth place with Barangay Ginebra at 3-3 (win-loss).

Despite the sidelining of injured players Jason Castro and Ali Peek, Talk n Text showed toughness, topping Barako Bull, 113-106, in overtime to remain in the lead with a 4-1 card Friday.

Powerade, however, stayed within striking distance of Talk n Text as the Tigers drubbed the Petron Blaze Boosters, 98-88, in a road game in Legazpi, Albay the following day.

The Texters stake their hold of the solo lead as they slug it out with the Tigers at 7:30 p.m. A three-way tie among Talk n Text, B-Meg and Powerade ensues if the Tigers prevail.

“We fully understand the consequence of a win or a loss at this point of the conference. We are prepared for Talk n Text however difficult that may be,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

“With Powerade coming off a big win, we’re wary of their momentum and confidence,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes, also believing the Tigers have become a “complete team” with import Dwayne Jones.

“With Jones, the strong Powerade team has become a lot stronger. We must contain their Big Three (Gary David, Marcio Lassiter and Jvee Casio) and try to figure how to match Jones as well,” said Reyes.

Powerade jumped out of the starting block, pulling away by 30 points towards the end of the first half before slowing down and settling for a 10-point win over Petron Blaze Saturday.

David, Lassiter and Jones got the Tigers to a swashbuckling start before eventually snapping their two-game losing streak.

The three key Powerade players scored at least 10 points each in the first quarter and finished with a combined output of 70.

But of course, the Texters have been playing solid ball much, much longer.

They have won three titles in the last four conferences, including the Philippine Cup at the expense of the Tigers.

And the Texters have also found a dependable import in Donnell Harvey.

The five-year NBA veteran churned out huge double-double games in his first two outings as a TnT import, churning out 22 points and 28 rebounds versus Air21 and collecting 26 markers and 22 boards against Barako.

“For someone who just came in and delivered those numbers, we’re very pleased,” said Reyes.