Ginebra faces Rain or Shine in battle of comeback kings

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Sun Nov 25, 2012 9:30 am

Ginebra faces Rain or Shine in battle of comeback kings

League-leader Talk ‘N Text eyes a playoff for an automatic semifinal seat while Barangay Ginebra San Miguel tries to extend its winning streak to four when they face separate foes in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters battle Air 21 in the opener at 4:15 p.m. before the Gin Kings bracing for a royal battle against Rain or Shine at 6:30 p.m.

With a win-loss 9-2 mark, defending Philippine Cup champion Talk ‘N Text shoots for a win that would put one foot in the top two spots, which come with a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

Talk ‘N Text is coming off a 92-63 shellacking of San Mig Coffee to stay on top of the team standings.

“We can’t get let our guard down. We’re only one game ahead of the other teams,” said Norman Black. The Elasto Painters and the Mixers are just one game behind Talk ‘N Text with identical 8-3 marks.

The Express are holding the No. 8 spot with a 4-7 slate and they need to win their remaining three games to make sure they get a slot in the next round.

In the main tiff, the Gin Kings, toting a 5-5 mark, collide with Rain or Shine, which is fresh off a come-from-behind 102-98 win over Meralco.

Ginebra is on a roll, winning its last three games, but coach Siot Tanquingcen knows his team has to bring its A-game to stand a chance against a tough Elasto Painters squad.

“We need this game very badly,” said Tanquingcen. “So, it’s important for us to keep our focus and execute properly on our offense.”

The Kings are also coming off a 96-93 close win over Alaska to reach .500 after a 2-5 start.

Rain or Shine rallied back from a 26-point hole against the Bolts in notching the improbable victory in a highly physical encounter.

Source: Interaksyon.com