Texters gun for 3-1, Ginebra to equalize

Game today

Araneta Coliseum

7 p.m.- Brgy. Ginebra vs. Talk ‘N Text

THE Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters try to inch closer to their second straight title as they shoot for a pivotal win against the Barangay Ginebra Kings in Game Three of their championship series in the 36th PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Texters hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series following a dominant 104-88 Game Three win last Sunday in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Talk ‘N Text started the series with a 102-83 victory before the Kings squared it at 1-1 with a close 88-86 triumph. The blowout Game Three loss will once again test the Kings’ never-say-die attitude.

“We’ve been here before: 1-2 down, 1-3 down, 0-2 down,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “There is no need to panic, and we won’t panic. We’re in the Finals, mind you. You panic when you’re in the eliminations and (you won’t advance to the playoffs).”

Just like their Game One win, the Texters dominated the Kings in the second half to regain the series lead.

“We broke down late in the third quarter and that was the story,” Uichico said. “That is what Talk ‘N Text will try to do against us, break us down. And that is what we have to avoid, because if we can keep it close (until the endgame) then we have a chance.”

While the Texters are getting the numbers they need from veteran players, the Kings aren’t getting the needed lift from key players such as Ronald Tubid and Willie Miller.

Rookies John Wilson and Roberts Labagala came out big in Game Two but the Texters clamped down on them in Game Three.

The two rookies combined for 26 in Game Two but Labagala was held scoreless in the next game, while Wilson could only score two points.