Texters, Painters clash for a crack at Top 2

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine and Talk n Text clash in a crucial rematch, both pursuing their bid for a Top Two finish in the elimination round of the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday night.

Meanwhile, San Mig Coffee and Air21 seek a follow-up on their stirring triumphs the last time out as they mix it up in the day’s other game.

The Mixers and the Express, checking their slumps with victories over the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Tropang Texters respectively, face off at 3 p.m. before Rain or Shine and Talk n Text square off in the 5:15 p.m. mainer of the Petron Blaze Saturday Special.

To stay right behind the leader is the similar mission of the E-Painters and the Texters.

Rain or Shine lost its initial match with Talk n Text, 87-90, but the E-Painters have since gone on a hot streak, winning all their next four games versus the Petron Blaze Boosters, the Barako Bull Energy Cola, the San Mig Coffee Mixers and the Globalport Batang Pier.

With an 8-3 win-loss record, the E-Painters are right behind the pacesetting Barangay Ginebra Kings (9-2) with a good shot at a Top Two finish in the elimination round.

“(This is our) biggest game for us so far. Looks good for us riding the momentum of our win streak,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“We control our own destiny and have a realistic shot at the twice-to-beat advantage. Talk n Text, however, is a tough team specially coming from an upset loss,” Guiao also said.

At 7-4, the Texters are still in the hunt for the Top Two and the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. They’re no longer in complete control of their fate, though.

Fully aware of this, Talk n Text coach Norman Black said they would just try to win as many games they can and be ready for whichever team they face in the quarters.

“Wherever we land at the end of the elims, so be it. The important is to build momentum for the playoffs,” said Black.

If they fail to improve from their current No. 4 spot, the three-time defending champs figure in a best-of-three quarters series versus the fifth seed.

They have a tough elims closing grind, facing Rain or Shine Saturday, San Mig Coffee on Dec. 17 and Barangay Ginebra on Dec. 19.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine’s last three assignments are Talk n Text, Meralco and Air21.

Talk n Text recovered after squandering a 21-point spread, standing its ground in a battle at the finish and coming through with 90-87 a win over Rain or Shine in their first meeting.