Texters try to finish off Kings today

Game today

Araneta Coliseum

6:45 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. Talk ‘N Text

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters look to close out the Barangay Ginebra Kings and book yet another championship ticket as they clash tonight in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinal series of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Texters took a crucial 2-1 series after they hacked out a masterful 98-80 victory in Wednesday night’s Game 3. Another victory tonight will send Talk ‘N Text to the championship round for the seventh time in the last eight conferences.

The Texters went on to win four titles in their championship trips, including a near grandslam feat in the 2010 season, where they won the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cup crowns before settling for a runner-up finish in the Governors’ Cup.

Talk ‘N Text managed to grab the series lead behind the magnificent outing of its new import Tony Mitchell, who erupted for 29 points in the team’s Game 3 victory.

Mitchell’s explosiveness had Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black comparing him to a reinforcement known for being a heavy scorer. “Tony Mitchell reminds me of Tony Harris. He’s such an explosive guy,” said Black in a pba.ph report. “I thought he could play a lot better.”

Harris is best known for scoring a league-record of 105 points in a single game in 1992.

Mitchell was supposed to suit up for the Texters in the next conference yet but the Texters were forced to bring him in earlier due to injuries of Jimmy Alapag and Jared Dillinger.

Mitchell, who replaced seven-footer Jerome Jordan, also helped the Texters patrol the paint by hauling down 12 rebounds.

Larry Fonacier finally made his presence felt in the series, helping Talk ‘N Text’s cause in Game 4 by firing 20 points. Also providing a solid local crew were Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo, who added a combined 30 points and eight rebounds.

Barangay Ginebra head coach Al Francis Chua reminded his team to keep its energy high especially in the defensive end to stay alive in the series.

“Kailangan i-maintain ang energy namin, lalo na sa depensa,” said Chua. “If we do that, then all the rest, tulad ng opensa namin, will follow.”