A CLASH of titans is set to take place as streaking powerhouses Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text cross paths in the resumption of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The two surging squads face off at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both squads needing a win that can boost their chances of making it to the quarterfinals and having a better placing.
In the appetizer at 4:15 p.m., two ailing squads Blackwater (3-6) and Phoenix (2-5) battle for survival at the bottom half.
As the tournament approaches its homestretch, the games become more and more crucial and this one between the Gin Kings (5-3) and the Texters (4-4) is certainly one that has important implications.
At the moment, Ginebra is looking good in terms of cracking a spot in the top eight as it is currently tied for third place with Alaska. Also, it still has a fair shot of possibly finishing in the Top 2, where a twice-to-beat incentive awaits.
As for Talk ‘N Text, it seems to finally be getting its groove as it is now tied for fifth place with three other teams, Rain or Shine, NLEX and Mahindra, after a sluggish start to the conference.
The Gin Kings have won five of their last six games to get to where they are now following a 1-2 start, while the Texters, who started 1-3, have won three of their last four and their last two outings as well.
But Ginebra coach Tim Cone still wants his players to up their level of play, especially against defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
“I didn’t like how we played in our last game and I don’t know how we won,” said Cone, referring to his team’s 102-101 squeaker over Phoenix in its last win in Panabo City. “We have Talk ‘N Text next and we have to play better than that.”
On the other hand, Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico wants his team to prolong its recent success.
“I hope we can keep our energy up and keep going,” said Uichico. “I’m hoping we can keep the way we’re playing recently.”
Meanwhile, Star suffered a huge blow as veteran star James Yap will miss the rest of the conference after sustaining a calf strain in the Hotshots’ last game against San Miguel.
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum):
4:15 p.m. – Blackwater vs. Phoenix
7 p.m. – Barangay Ginebra
vs. Tropang TNT