Boosters, Tigers out to end semis

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze takes a second shot at wrapping up its series versus Talk n Text while Powerade tries to finish off Rain or Shine in their own showdown in the PBA Philippine Cup Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

If ever, the Boosters and the Tigers set up an exciting finale with the former going for back-to-back championships and the latter out to end a long title drought.

The Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters, however, both vowed to do their best to force a sudden death.

Powerade’s Big Three of Gary David, Jayvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter all rose to the occasion Friday as the Tigers came from behind to nip the Elasto Painters, 110-108, and move into the threshold of a first finals stint in nine years.

Talk n Text, meanwhile, lived to fight another game as it stalled Petron Blaze’s title drive with a 93-91 squeaker in their own game Friday.

A crowd of over 14,000 witnessed those two gripping matches. An even bigger attendance is expected tonight.

Though surviving the Boosters’ first knockout attempt, the Texters still teeter on the brink, needing to win two in a row to keep their title-retention bid alive.

And they will have to make do with a lineup minus top frontliner Kelly Williams.

“We’d been hiding his injury since Game One. He’d heard something pop in his leg in practice. The injury aggravated Friday. It’s now a total tear,” said Reyes.

The multi-titled TnT mentor, however, stressed they won’t yield without a fight.

“There’s always the chance while you’re still alive. We’ll again fight to stay alive Sunday,” said Reyes.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is very positive they can force a rubber match versus Powerade.

“The series is far from over. We have always played well with our back against the wall. I’m confident we can extend the series to Wednesday,” said Guiao.

Admitting they were outworked the last time, Guiao promised they won’t let that happen in Game Six.

David, Casio and Lassiter delivered big plays in the crunch as Powerade survived a six-point deficit in the last 1:44 of play, stealing the game to close in on a first finals appearance since the 2003 Reinforced Conference.