Game today:
Mall of Asia Arena
6:45 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Rain or Shine
The defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters brace for a big fightback from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as the two teams collide for Game 2 of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Texters are gunning for a crucial 2-0 series lead, drawing first blood in the series after holding off the Painters’ late game rally in Game 1 to post an 87-81 victory last Wednesday night.
But Rain or Shine isn’t that worried about the loss.
“Kahit talo, positive signs pa rin ang nakita namin sa game na ito,” said Rain or Shine head coach Guiao. “We just didn’t shoot well. But as badly as we played, I still think we had the chance to win the game, and that’s what we wanted to do – to hang around. As long as we hang around, we can grind out some win.”
Rain or Shine hoisted 21 three-point attempts in Game 1 but only made four. Talk N Text made 10 of its 21 attempts from beyond the arc, which proved to be the difference maker.
“I think the stats and the numbers will indicate we beat them in most departments, except three-point shooting. They had six more treys than we did, and that’s 18 points. Really, that’s where it happened,” said Guiao.
Rain or Shine needs to have a better start as it allowed Talk ‘N Text to take control of the game when it fell behind, 15-33, early in the game.