PBA: Talk N Text has momentum going into match vs. Powerade

TALK `N Text seeks the first quarterfinals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday in its very first meeting with Powerade since the Finals of the Philippine Cup.   The Tropang Texters are gunning for a third straight win and fifth in six outings, as they remain on top of the import-laden tournament where they are the defending champions.   But looking good as they are, the Tropang Texters are not about to take lightly a Tigers team that gave them a good fight in the best-of-seven series of the All-Filipino meet.   The Tigers are performing above par in the short, single-round eliminations with a 3-2 (win-loss) slate for a share of the no. 3-4 spots with Air21.   They also would have momentum from a 98-88 win over Petron in Legazpi City last week.   “With Powerade coming off a big win, we’re wary of their momentum and confidence going into tomorrow’s (today’s) game,” said Talk `N Text coach Chot Reyes. “We must contain their ‘big three’ and try to figure how to match (Dwayne) Jones as well.”    Jones has been complementing well the Tigers’ deadly offensive trio of Gary David, and rookies Marcio Lassiter and JV Casio.   “Jones really completes this team, and a strong team just got a lot stronger,” Reyes added.   Powerade coach Bo Perasol however, would not be overwhelmed by the sweet talk.   “We fully understand the consequence of a win or a loss at this point of the conference,” he said. “We are prepared for Talk ‘N Text, however difficult that may be.”   Alaska and Petron, two teams with recent losses, square off in the curtain raiser at 5:15 p.m.   The Boosters and Aces carry similar records of 3-3 after suffering defeats at the hands of the Tigers and Air21 Express, respectively. — ELR, GMA News