Texters target No. 1 seeding vs Boosters

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text, the pro league’s dominant team in the last three years, goes for playoff top seeding for the fifth time in six conferences as it tangles with Petron Blaze at the close of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Tropang Texters and the Boosters clash in the 7:30 p.m. main game which becomes non-bearing should the Air21 Express beat the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the 5:15 p.m. opener.

While the Texters are chasing top seeding, the Kings are looking to force a three-way tie for No. 1 or a two-way tie at second for a playoff crack at an outright semifinal seat.

At 3-6, Air21 and Petron are both out of the playoff race and are merely hoping to finish the tournament on a winning note.

“It’s a huge game as we’re attempting to grab the No. 1 seat. I’m sure the SMC group is hell-bent on denying us. Petron will surely go all out to help their sister teams and rightly so. We must play our best to have a chance,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Victories by Ginebra and Petron Blaze will force the three-way deadlock among B-Meg, Talk n Text and Ginebra on top at 6-3.

Applying the quotient tiebreak system, the Llamados will automatically make the semis, leaving the Texters and the Kings to dispute the other berth in a playoff.

“Our destiny is still in our hands. It’s up to us to take care of business,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen, also vowing to do their best to hurdle the Express.

Should both Talk n Text and Ginebra prevail, the Texters finish No. 1 while the Kings and the Llamados end up tied at second, necessitating a playoff between Ginebra and B-Meg.

A loss by Ginebra automatically makes Talk n Text and B-Meg first and second.

The fight for the two remaining quarterfinal berths also depends on the results of today’s games.

Powerade, Barako Bull and Meralco are three teams slugging out it for those two spots.