Texters seek twice to beat versus Air21

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Air21 vs Talk n Text

6:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning titlist Talk n Text tries to keep its scorching run, going for a shot at a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round as it takes on struggling Air21 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Rain or Shine also presses its bid for a Top Two finish in the elims while Barangay Ginebra continues its chase for a quarters slot as they square off in the day’s other game.

The Tropang Texters and the Express play at 4:15 p.m. then the Elasto Painters and the Kings battle at 6:30 p.m.

Talk n Text sets out for the game versus Air21 coming from a smashing 92-63 win over San Mig Coffee Wednesday to keep league leadership at 9-2.

“Obviously, beating San Mig helped a lot. But we can’t let our guard down. We’re only one game ahead of the other teams (Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee at 8-3),” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.

“It was a great game for us. But we’ve got to prepare for Sunday or this game (against San Mig Coffee) will amount to nothing,” added Black.

One more win assures Talk n Text at least a tie for second spot at the close of the elimination round. Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee are also in pursuit of a Top Two finish that rewards twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

At 4-7, Air21 is fighting to avoid early elimination.

As crucial as the TnT-Air21 match is the RoS-Ginebra tiff.

“Cliché it may seem, but we just have to keep playing,” said coach Siot Tanquingcen whose Ginebra team is now in the middle of the pack at 5-5 following three straight wins.

The Kings catch up with the Meralco Bolts at fourth place if they repeat their 98-94 decision over the Elasto Painters in their previous collision.

Meanwhile, Petron Blaze again hit the .500 mark as it made it three in a row with a 93-83 win over Barako Bull in their Phoenix Fuel-sponsored road game at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City last night.

Arwind Santos logged another double-double numbers with 21 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Boosters to a sixth win against the same number of losses. Barako Bull slid to 3-8.

Rain or Shine, however, is also on a run and always dangerous with its indomitable fighting spirit.

The E-Painters showcased their big heart yet again Sunday, clawing back from a 26-point deficit to top the Meralco Bolts, 102-98, in overtime.