DEFENDING champion Talk ‘N Text tries to ride the momentum of its big win over Rain or Shine when it meets skidding Barako Bull in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.
The Tropang Texters have been waxing hot of late by winning three of their last four matches, including a gripping 90-87 victory over the Elasto Painters that allowed them to raise their record to 4-2 for solo third place.
The two teams clash in the first game of the doubleheader set at 5:45 p.m.
Although the reigning three-time All-Filipino champion struggled on the floor against Rain or Shine, Talk ‘N Text managed to make up for it by posting a franchise season-high 64 rebounds behind undersized forward Harvey Carey’s 15 boards and the combined 17 of veterans Danny Seigle and Kelly Williams.
Talk `N Text coach Norman Black said the team this time will have to be prepared against Barako Bull’s platoon of outside gunners, knowing fully well the Energy are averaging nine three-point shots made per outing this conference.
“We will try to build on our win against Rain or Shine. The key will be our ability to defend their (Energy) three-point shooters, especially Ronjay Buenafe,” said Black, who steered the franchise to its third all-Filipino conference championship last year.
Meanwhile, the Energy are hoping to stop the bleeding after losing their last five games following back-to-back wins over air21 and Alaska to open the season.
Barako Bull is coming off a painful 88-90 loss to reigning Governors Cup champion San Mig Super Coffee in a game where the Energy blew a nine-point fourth-quarter lead after committing several turnovers down the stretch.
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