TALK ‘N TEXT tries to bounce back from a big letdown in its previous game as it tries to regain the series lead against Rain or Shine in Game Three of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters clash at 5 p.m. The series has been pruned down to a best-of-five affair following Rain or Shine’s big win in Game Two.
Rain or Shine pulled even after chalking up a come-from-behind 116-108 victory on Friday and survived the 44-point explosion of Talk ‘N Text star Jayson Castro.
“We made shots, they made more shots (in Game Two). It means we did not defend the way we should,” Tropang Texters Head Coach Jong Uichico said.
“No one said this series is going to be easy,” he added.
Talk ‘N Text appeared to have the momentum and looked headed to a 2-0 series lead after erecting an 18-point lead in Game Two behind the onslaught of Castro, who drilled nine triples in that contest.
But Rain or Shine stormed back with its impeccable defense with import Wayne Chism and Paul Lee delivering on offense. Jireh Ibanes was also huge in Game Two with 12 points and a lot of hustle plays.
“We just tied the series. Nothing has happened yet,” said Elasto Painters Head Coach Yeng Guiao, who drew a combined 50 points from Chism and Lee on Friday.
“Credit to the guys. They showed mental toughness. If you can survive an onslaught, you know you can survive the game,” Guiao added.
He made special mention to Ibanes, who provided quality minutes for Rain or Shine.
Castro, the leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award, was spectacular in Game Two with a career-best 44 points spiked by nine triples. But those numbers went down the drain as the Tropang Texters failed to sustain their run.
Castro’s 44 were the most by a local in PBA finals history since the 48 points of Great Taste’s Allan Caidic. The Coffee Makers lost Game Three to Tanduay, 134-135, in overtime in the 1987 PBA Open Conference.
Guiao said their Game Two victory gave them confidence in the series and they need to continue playing with more intensity especially on defense to have a legitimate shot at a 2-1 lead.
Talk ‘N Text needs balanced scoring and Uichico admitted they just could not rely on Castro every night.
“We got other options. They will find ways to stop Jayson. It’s not like it’s always Jayson,” Uichico said.
Game One hero Ranidel de Ocampo finished with 15 points in Game Two but was a non-factor in the final quarter on Friday night. Ivan Johnson had a quiet 20-point performance for the Tropang Texters in the second game of the series.
Image credits: Kevin dela Cruz