San Mig Coffee puts streak on the line against Barako Bull; Talk ‘N Text, Meralco clash

InterAKTV · Thursday, November 15, 2012 · 10:53 pm

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Meralco set two goals as it faces defending champion Talk ‘N Text in Friday’s main game as the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup resumes at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Bolts hope to end its losing streak at the venue — they have lost five straight at Ynares — and avenge their 112-110 overtime loss to the Tropang Texters in their first meeting.
“Two missions must be accomplished,” said Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio on the eve of their 7:30 p.m. encounter against Talk ‘N Text.
In the first game, San Mig Coffee tries to extend its winning streak to five games when it faces beleaguered Barako Bull at 5:15 p.m.
Holding the solo fourth spot, Gregorio knows it will be difficult to beat Talk ‘N Text while grabbing a rare win at Ynares Center.
“We have to find ways to win against the defending champions Talk ‘N Text and befriend the Ynares Antipolo so that we can finally win there,” said Gregorio, whose team was 0-5 at the venue last season.
“We are aware of the daunting tasks but we are ready to face the challenges with a positive mindset.”
Meralco owns the momentum going into the game as the Bolts just beat Petron Blaze in impressive fashion, 95-81, last Sunday while the Tropang Texters absorbed just their second loss of the season, 104-101, at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last sunday.
“Our offense was in-sync and our defense was stingy against Petron. Nothing less than a near-perfect execution on both ends will be required against the mighty Tropang Texters,” said Gregorio.
In the opener, Bong Ramos takes the helm for the struggling Energy Colas, who will collide with the second-running Coffee Mixers.
San Mig Coffee pulled off a controversial 92-91 win in their first meeting on Raffy Reavis’s tap on the last attempt of Enrico Villanueva.
“Barako Bull played us very tough in our first meeting,” said Coffee Mixers coach Tim Cone. “We were fortunate to escape with a win. We’re expecting a very similar battle with coach Bong now steering the team.”
Ramos replaced Junel Baculi and admits that the goal to move into the next round will be difficult for them.
“We still have five games but it will be hard. We need to start winning now,” said Ramos, now on his third stint as coach of the franchise.
Barako Bull is at the No. 9 spot with a 3-6 win-loss mark.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/san-mig-coffee-puts-streak-on-the-line-against-barako-bull-talk-n-text-meralco-clash