TALK 'N Text tries to keep its hot streak going against dangerous Rain or Shine when the PBA brings Philippine Cup action to Victorias City in Negros Occidental on Saturday.
Off to a strong 5-0 start, the Tropang Texters look to extend their winning run against a streaking Elasto Painters at their 6:30 p.m. tussle.
Jimmy Alapag, the PBA’s Most Valuable Player in the 2010-2011 season, said even with the winning streak, Talk ‘N Text is still in the process of trying to strike a balance as far as running the previous offensive pattern under Chot Reyes and new coach Norman Black.
“I think our biggest benefit is even though we have a new head coach, coach Norman has been with us, as consultant slash assistant coach slash defensive coach. I think our transition as a team has been a little easier, than it would be in other cases. And again, i think we still need to improve under coach Norman, trying to find that balance, still running with coach Chot and at the same time, integrating what he does. And if we can find the delicate balance, i think we’ll hopefully be back in the Finals,” explained Alapag.
Black assumed the head coaching post, replacing Reyes prior to the start of the season. Reyes now handles the Smart Gilas 2.0 national team, which recently won the William Jones and placed fourth in the Fiba Asia Cup in Tokyo, Japan.
The Tropang Texters narrowly escaped against a tough Barako Bull Energy Cola Wednesday night, winning the low-scoring contest, 79-76.
Black admitted after the game that the Energy Cola scouted them well, resulting in a tight endgame.
Rain or Shine (4-1), meantime, has won its last three outings, including a come-from-behind victory over San Mig Coffee, 80-79.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao said the team’s victory was a miracle considering how bad they played against a talented and experienced squad like the Mixers.
Jeff Chan has been the team’s leader, delivering two telling four-point plays at the height of Rain or Shine’s spirited rally, that allowed the team to come back from 18 points down to secure the win.
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