Talk 'N Text Gunning for a Sweep at the PBA Philippine Cup Finals

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If Talk N' Text Tropang Texters manage to continue on with their winning formula at the ongoing PBA 2012-13 Philippine Cup finals, they could be 48 minutes away from bagging their third consecutive All-Filipino title in the PBA. If that happens, this will be the first time in nearly three decades that such a feat was accomplished by any team in the most prestigious conference in the PBA.But doing that via a sweep? Much sweeter, I suppose. 

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters put up a tough stand during Game 3 of their Best-of-7 series at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday, January 13. However, it was not enough as the Texters went away with an 89-80 victory over Yeng Guiao's troops that gave them a seemingly impossible to overcome series lead. 

With the killer instinct running high, Talk N Text head coach Norman Black can assure fans that they will attempt to close it out on Wednesday, Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals series. Should they succeed in beating Rain or Shine four times in a row, it will be another impressive feat as Norman Black would mark his return as head coach in the league with a championship trophy. 

But the fight is not out in Rain or Shine just yet. However, it is also undeniable that they are faced with a difficult challenge of beating Talk N Text four in a row. Things would get even more difficult, though, as even the usually feisty RoS head coach Yeng Guiao has raised the white flag. During his post-game interview with the press, he claimed that their goal right now is "to try to delay their party or celebration". 

What made this an even more impressive win for the Texters was the fact that they came from behind. Clutch three-pointers rained in one after the other courtesy of Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag, and Ranidel de Ocampo, which rallied them to a 16-4 run. Even though they were down upon the opening of the fourth quarter, they regained the lead as the Game 3 neared its last 3 minutes. 

Rain or Shine responded with key baskets from Ryan Arana and Chris Tiu. However, the Texters never let them get away with up to nine lead changes in the game. 

Make sure to check out the game on Wednesday to see if Talk N Text can close out the series by Game 4. Or, if Rain or Shine still has a fight in them to try and go for a sweep at the tail-end of the series. 

Do you think the Elasto Painters can produce a come-from-behind victory in the series?   

PBA News Roundup for Early 2013

Today, January 9, the battle begins. Rain or Shine and Talk N’ Text might have both came off championships from last year but both claim to be hungry for another one. Rain or Shine has tagged itself as the underdog in the series, but analysts believe that the odds are even for both teams.

The PBA 2012-2013 Philippine Cup finals also signal that the conference is about to be over and the next one is looming. Thus, some of you whose favorite teams had been eliminated from competition in this ongoing conference might already be looking forward to the next one – the Commissioner’s Cup. Check out after the jump for more news about your favorite teams.

Barako Bull

A few days ago, the news about former Philippine head coach Rajko Toroman taking over the head coaching slot vacated by Junel Baculi was confirmed. And with the a rejuvenated lineup and the arrival of their import Evan Brock, Toroman hopes that he can get the job done and improve the standing of Barako Bulls in the next conference.

The 58-year-old Serbian coach was released by SMC from his contract and has replaced Bong Ramos, the interim head coach for the Barako Bull. Although Ramos will reprise his role as assistant coach for the team, Toroman is also bringing in another coach in Charles Tiu to help him out. However, he is optimistic about this new challenge for him saying, “I’ve spoken with the management [of Barako Bull] about the direction of the team and we share identical objectives.”

He didn’t want to rush things, though. All he aims for right now is improvement. “We want to strengthen our lineup.” Toroman further adds, “we finished ninth in the Philippine Cup and if we’re able to go up to fifth or sixth, it will be an achievement.”

Aside from their import, three new players are coming into the Barako Bull lineup – Eman Monfort, Don Allado, and Marc Agustin. Toroman’s current head coaching contract with Barako Bull is slated to last for two years.

Petron Blaze Boosters

Meanwhile, Toroman’s former team, Petron Blaze Boosters are also gearing up for the PBA 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. They’ve recently acquired the rights to 6’ 8” forward Renaldo Balkman, who is a first round draft pick by New York Knicks on the 2006 NBA Draft. Although the impressive resume by the forward made the Petron coaching staff consider him as the best man for the job, they believe he still has a lot of conditioning to do especially since he had a long hiatus from basketball.

According to Petron head coach Olsen Racela, the import’s versatility is what is going to help out their cause in the next conference. They already have big guys in their lineup in the form of June Mar Fajardo, Jay Washington, and Arwind Santos, so Racela believes he would be the one to fill in the holes in their lineup.

San Mig Coffee Mixers

As most other teams in the PBA are in search of a new import to boost their lineup in preparation of the upcoming competition, the San Mig Coffee Mixers are looking to return to the old formula that helped them succeed. Hence, head coach Tim Cone wants Denzel Bowles back as their import. But the import must first secure a clearance from Zhejiang Golden Bulls, the Chinese Basketball Association team he last played for. 

The lack of clarity from Bowles' status is causing a bit of urgency on the team management. However, team officials had indicated that a firm decision could be reached by January 15th. In case Bowles is not cleared by then, San Mig Coffee Mixers have a list of other imports to consider when their original option does not fall through.

Barangay Ginebra

Herbert Hill will be suiting up as Barangay Ginebra's import for the upcoming Commissioner's Cup. And from the two practice sessions he has had with the team, he seems to have an understanding of what the coaching staff expects from him and is also fully aware as to what he can offer the team. 

Hill, who immediately attended practice soon after arriving from the US, is feeling good about the confidence that the coaching staff and the entire team is giving him. He says, "they've been helping me adjust."

The 6-10 center who is also a second round draft pick in 2007 by the Utah Jazz understands that the team needs help on the inside. Hence, he is hoping that his size and inside prowess can be an asset to the team. Another thing that he looks forward to with the start of the next conference? Being part of the most popular team in the PBA. He adds, "I'm very excited about the opportunity."

Be sure to check us again for more news and updates on your favorite PBA teams!   

PBA 2012-13 Philippine Cup Finals Set: Rain or Shine vs Talk N Text

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The Alaska Aces gave a good fight but it was for naught as Talk N Text emerged victorious during their Game 6 match off of their semifinals series. Earlier, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters already secured a ticket to the finals seat by beating San Mig Coffee Mixers in their own best of 7 series. And on Friday, Alaska Aces' back were against the wall as they were put in a do-or-die situation against the talent-laden Talk N Text team behind new head coach Norman Black. 

The combined efforts of Jason Castro, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, and Ranidel de Ocampo helped to surge the Tropang Texters ahead of their competition for the most part of the game. Then, Jimmy Alapag exploded in the final half of the game to build an 80-71 lead for his team. It proved enough as the Aces suffered a dry spell and could not recover from the deficit established by their opponent. 

And the Texters prevailed and rose to the challenge as they made true with what Black promised to be a war on the court. The back-to-back defending champions defeated the Aces in an 83-78 fashion at the Cuneta Astrodome on January 4, Friday. This gives way to a battle of the champs with the Governor Cup champs Rain or Shine waiting to meet them at the finals. 

Aside from chasing another trophy, the Tropang Texters are also out for a new record. If they succeed in winning the championship in the PBA Philippine Cup, they are going to be the first time to win this conference three in a row after the legendary Crispa Redmanizers team did so in 1983. Head coach Norman Black is confident they can do that, especially after surviving the tough series against the Aces. 

But he isn't allowing himself to be clouded by the thought just yet. "Rain or Shine is a different package as far as competition is concerned," he adds. He also notes that "they're very physical inside both offensively and defensively."

While Talk N Text is chasing after their own record, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are gunning for back-to-back titles on their own. Needless to say, it is going to be a big battle waiting ahead for these two teams.

Which team do you think will run away with the PBA Philippine Cup crown?

PBA Philippine Cup Schedule: Week of October 22 to 28, 2012

A week of basketball action has come to a close and now another one is set to begin. The action at the PBA games get tougher by the day. And if you want to know about your favorite team's fate in the upcoming weeks, you should not miss a single game. 

With the Halloween about to come, the league is also reaching its final stretch of games before taking a few days off to commemorate the holidays. Here is a complete lowdown on the schedule of games in the PBA for week of October 22 to 31, 2012. 

October 24, 2012

Barako Bull vs Talk 'N Text - 5:15 PM

Rain or Shine vs San Mig Coffee Mixers - 7:30 PM

October 26, 2012

Alaska Aces vs Air 21 Express - 5:15 PM

Petron Blaze Boosters vs GlobalPort Batang Pier - 7:30PM

October 27, 2012

Rain or Shine vs Talk N Text - Victorias City, 6:30PM

October 28, 2012

Barako Bull vs San Mig Coffee Mixers - 4:15 PM

Alaska Aces vs Brgy Ginebra San Miguel - 6:30PM

October 31, 2012

San Mig Coffee vs GlobalPort Batang Pier - 5:15 PM

Barako Bull vs Meralco Bolts - 7:30PM

Make sure to mark your calendars with the PBA games schedule for this coming week so you won't miss the action at the PBA 2012-2013 Philippine Cup!

PBA Philippine Cup 2013: Air 21 Express Preview

Obviously, the Air21 Express is in the rebuilding process. The joke around the league is that, the team’s come-backing team executive, Lito Alvarez, is PBA’s version of Vicky Belo, as he made quite a full facelift of the tea.

Air 21roster has some good names. They’ve got the high-flyer and dependable perimeter defender KG Canaleta from a multi-player trade deal which also includes one of PBA’s draft pick bust Noy Baclao, the good post defender Rob Reyes and promising guard John Wilson from Ginebra.

Image: Kilikilishot.com

They acquired two players from the last draft: The “pogiboy” from La Salle, Simon Atkins, and 6’6 center Yousef Taha. 

They also acquired Bonbon Custodio, who obviously couldn’t find a spot in his former team’s congested SG rotation. But he’s not part of the official roster just yet. Don’t ask me why.

Obviously, Air 21 team captain, Renren Ritualo will benefit from these acquisitions, as these guys will ease the scoring load of the squad. And with the scrappy play of tested and proven veteran Nelbert Omolon, the Express are much approved this year. They are no longer an instant W for teams looking to better their standings, and may be a dark horse this season. Baclao, also, can finally have his minutes here, so he better get the most out of it and prove his worth.

The 0-14 campaign will no longer happen this year. But with the fresh faces they have, this team needs to work on their chemistry and learn defending faster and bigger teams such as Ginebra, TnT, Petron, and Alaska. And with that, I still don’t think this team can slip into the playoffs. Maybe next conference when they can play Smart Gilas’ remarkable center Marcus Douthit as an import. But not here in Philippine Cup.

Read more Cup Previews

Alaska Aces

MeralcoBolts

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Petron Blaze Boosters

Barako Bull Energy

San Mig coffee Mixers

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Talk 'N Text Tropan Texters

GlobalPort Batang Pier