Game today
Araneta Coliseum
5 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Rain or Shine
UP TWO GAMES to nil, the defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters try to put a world of pressure on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters when they clash tonight for Game 3 of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
As if its vaunted offense isn’t enough, Talk ‘N Text has also been unforgiving in defense, allowing them to win the first two games of the series for an imposing 2-0 series lead.
The Texters won Game 1, 87-81, and followed it up with an 89-81 victory in Game 2.
The first two games of the series followed the same script with the Texters building sizable leads early then quelling the Painters’ endgame rally.
Talk ‘N Text led by as many in 18 points in Game 1—a lead that was trimmed down to three points in the closing seconds but the defending champions managed to preserve the advantage.
In Game 2, the Texters posted an 11-point third quarter lead but Rain or Shine came back and even took a six-point lead.
The Texters, however, showed their tremendous composure down the stretch to seal their second straight victory.
“I still expect them to come up with a lot of energy and push the pace. I’m sure they’re going to continue that. The question is, will we run out of gas? I don’t think we will,” Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black said in a pba.ph report.
Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro were superb in Game 2 where they combined for 45 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Failing to shoot the ball well has been a problem for the Painters, said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guaio.
Talk ‘N Text team shot 44.6 percent clip in Game 2 while Rain or Shine had a 35.5 percent shooting.
“We’re still struggling with our shooting. It’s like the continuation of Game One shooting wise. We can’t get shooting rhythm,” said Guiao.
Guiao somehow saw positive signs in Game 2.
“We led by six but we just couldn’t make the big plays at the finish.”/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA