Rested TnT, ‘Rain’ hope to bounce back

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text and Rain or Shine, both coming from an eight-day rest, are expected to figure in a battle while both look to comeback from a loss in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

The Tropang Texters lost a tight game with the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 95-97, while the Elasto Painters were stunned by the Globalport Batang Pier, 88-90, over a week ago.

With long preparation for their rematch, 2012 all-Filipino title protagonists are likely to engage in a tough duel in their 8 p.m. encounter.

Slumping Governors Cup champion San Mig Coffee and struggling Barako Bull clash in the other game, at 5:45 p.m., in the last PBA play date for the year at the Big Dome.

The rest of the December schedule of the all-Filipino tourney are set at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The next Big Dome play date is Jan. 8.

The Texters (3-2) and the E-Painters (4-2) try to improve their records in the Top Five while the Mixers (1-5) and the Energy Cola (2-4) hope to start winning in chase of the frontrunners.

“We are coming from a long break and we are excited to play. The break gave us a chance to refresh ourselves and prepare for Talk n Text,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“It’s a big test for us because this could be an indication if we can contend with the big boys this conference,” Guiao also said.

Coach Norman Black and the Texters scored a rare Philippine Cup three-peat via a four-game sweep of the E-Painters in the finals last year.

The Texters, however, have gone on a decline after that championship, struggling in the next two conferences.

In this tourney, the Texters are on the fringe of the Top Five with victories over Meralco, Alaska and Globalport and losses to Petron Blaze and Barangay Ginebra.

Rain or Shine is half-a-game up on Talk n Text with triumphs over Alaska, Meralco, Barako Bull and San Mig Coffee and defeats at the hands of Ginebra and Globalport.

Highly unexpected is San Mig’s 1-5 start.

In their hope to arrest their skid, coach Tim Cone changed their routine after their last game, bringing the team to a bowling game instead of holding practice.

“We’re the last team to play in the last season. Mukhang umay na sa kalalaro,” said San Mig Coffee top official Rene Pardo.

Nonetheless, the Energy Cola are wary of the Mixers.

“San Mig is also on a losing streak but they are capable to turn around anytime. They are now complete and healthy. That is why they are very dangerous. The goal is to make the game close,” said Barako coach Bong Ramos.