Upbeat 'Rain', weary TnT go for semis seats

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine and Talk n Text, returning from contrasting results Saturday, tangle with separate opponents today at the Cuneta Astrodome with their sights set on an outright seat in the PBA Governors Cup semifinal round.

The Elasto Painters and the Tropang Texters are up against the Alaska Milk Aces and the Meralco Bolts who are both close behind and out to firm up their own semis bids.

Rain or Shine and Alaska clash at 5:30 p.m. then Talk n Text and Meralco collide at 7:45 p.m.

The Elasto Painters are coming off a testy 116-113 overtime win over the Bolts – a game where Rain or Shine was seen squandering a 20-point lead then making a giant fightback from a six-point deficit in the last 15 seconds of regulation play.

The Texters, on the other hand, are returning from a game they shouldn’t have lost, but they did, against an import-less and injury-hit Petron Blaze side.

“We’re starting to feel the strain of our long season, not to mention the effects of our killer Digos-Dubai trip, and we’ve got to muster enough energy to battle the tough Bolts with their great import,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“Both (of us) are coming off disappointing losses and both are eager to bounce back strong,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Talk n Text is not an easy foe. They are packed with solid players and we pale in comparison in terms of championship experience. So we must come in with a very strong determination to compete, fight until the end and win,” Gregorio added.

Gregorio said the key for them against the grand slam-seeking Texters is to keep the score low and play smart.

Alaska coach Tim Cone said Rain or Shine, with its highly dependable, versatile import in Arizona Reid, will always be a tough match-up.

“They have a ‘benchmark’ import in Reid. It’s a crucial game for us, and we’ll need everyone focused and ready to go,” said Cone.

“A win will assure us of a slot in the semis and that would be an improvement from last conference. We want to get better every game and every conference. I believe we’re close to overachieving this conference,” said RoS coach Yeng Guiao.

Meanwhile, the PBA Commissioner’s Office announced it is now accepting aspirants for the 2011 PBA Annual Draft which will be held Aug. 28 at Robinson’s Place Ermita.