DO or die? Who will move forward? Who will bow out?
Those questions will be answered when Alaska and Talk ‘N Text go all out in their knockout game in the quarterfinals of the 2016
Tied at 1-1 in their best-of-three quarters series, the deciding Game 3 is expected to produce fireworks as the Aces and the Tropang Texters go at it at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the last semifinal ticket on the line.
The two teams showed how evenly matched they are in the series’ first two games as they went toe-to-toe.
In Game 1, Talk ‘N Text rode hotshot rookie Troy Rosario’s career game as his 31 points led the Tropang Texters to a 106-99 Game 1 win last Sunday and to a 1-0 lead.
The Aces retaliated Tuesday night, scoring a tight 85-81 victory in Game 2 with four chargers tallying in double-figures, to level the series at 1-1 and force the sudden death Game 3.
Despite his team’s victory in Game 2, Alaska coach Alex Compton still isn’t satisfied with how his team is playing offense in the series.
While he praised the Aces’ defensive improvement, he said that they need a polished offense tonight to have a better chance of taking home the game and the series.
“I was so happy with how we defended in the last game, but we also have to get better looks on offense this coming Friday for Game 3,” said Compton.
The victor will join Meralco, Rain or Shine and San Miguel Beer in the semis and will face the Bolts in a best-of-seven affair.
After Rosario’s explosion in Game 1, it was import David Simon’s turn to drop 31 points for the Texters in Game 2 but still, his team fell short of winning and taking the series.
Alaska’s defense are expected to focus on those two along with resident Talk ‘N Text stars Jayson Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo.
The Aces are opting to attack with more variety, spreading the wealth on offense to keep the Talk ‘N Text defense guessing.
Game Today
Quarterfinals, Knockout – Smart Araneta Coliseum):
7 p.m. – Talk ‘N Text
vs. Alaska