WINNER TAKES IT ALL

For all the shift and turn in fortunes in the long drawn title series, it all boils down to this one final showdown for Talk N Text and Alaska in Game Seven of the PBA Fiesta Cup playoff at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Gametime is at 6:45 p.m. with the two teams expected to figure in a fierce fight for the crown in the season-ending tourney.

Both teams are raring to come out and erase bitter memories of failed bids in Game Seven battles in the past. The Pals are 0-2 while the Aces have lost the last two of their six Game Seven outings.

The Aces, winless in seven years, are riding the momentum of their 121-110 victory in Game Six behind a torrid 20-to-nothing  run but the Phone Pals are expected to dish out their best to end a four-year title drought.

“Playing tough and winning, we let go of false pride, consuming anger and crippling fear. Let’s gift ourselves with an experience of heaven – the ultimate second chance for a championship. Let’s accept it, let’s embrace it. Let’s thank the Giver of second chances. With this kind of spirit upon us, let’s play 48 minutes of championship basketball like you never played before,”  said Talk n Text board representative Ricky Vargas in a message to Phone Pals and coach Derick Pumaren.

Alaska coach Tim Cone, meanwhile, is equally excited over the prospect of nailing another crown on the very venue of their numerous championship conquests.

“We had so many happy moments at the Astrodome. Who knows we can get another one there (on Friday),” said Cone.

“Talk n Text, in my opinion, is playing its best basketball. It’s been raising its level of game each time out, but, still, I really feel we can get the series,” Cone added.

The Aces would need another explosive performance from Willie Miller, the season’s MVP who put up a  monstrous game that netted 37 points in Game Six.

Miller is also deep in a tight side battle with Best Player of the Conference awardee Macmac Cardona, averaging 23.2 points against the Phone Pal top gun’s 22.2 points in the series.

“After his poor game Sunday, people were saying a lot about him and I’m one of them. I challenged him, and he came out and took the challenge. He has to come out and do it again Friday,” said Cone.

Rossell Ellis and J.J. Sullinger are practically even on their numbers with the former averaging 25.5 points, 14.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists and the latter 26.3 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists.