TNT-PETRON FINALS GAME 3: ALL-OUT WAR

Things are now back to square one and the best-of-seven finals series has virtually turned into a best-of-five affair in the PBA Governors Cup finals between grand-slam seeking Talk N Text Tropang Texters and Petron Blaze Boosters. If the first two games are the indications of what will happen in the pivotal game three, then expect more blood oozing from bruising fouls and bodies flying as both teams has declared an all-out war for the season-ending diadem. The Boosters drew first blood via a heart-stopping win in the opener, 89-88 but the Tropang Texters evened things up with a resounding rout in a very physical game two victory, 105-83. TNT head coach Chot Reyes thinks his charges are all-pumped up for game three after totally outplaying the Boosters in the final half of game two, “One thing that we wanted to do in Game Two was to come out with a lot of physicality because they’re really beating us in giving rough and hard fouls. At the half, I asked my players if they were intimidated because we’re not going to win this series playing like sissies. We manned up, we became stronger; and we took it right through them because this is war. The only way we’re going to win is if we play as physical. If they throw cheap shots, we’ll give it right back at them. We should hit them harder.” On the other hand, Boosters head coach Ato Agustin reiterates his stand for his boys not to back down and give back what they receive from TNT on the court, “Patibayan na ng dibdib ang series na ito (The series is now about who’s got the bigger heart). We’re playing physical because it’s their game. Of course, we’ll not allow ourselves to be pushed around. It won’t change. We just have to be ready for their transition offense. The guys lost their focus in the second. It seemed that they’re affected by the Ranidel de Ocampo incident. Subconsciously, they might be thinking Talk n Text would get back.” Expect all roads lead to the Big Dome tonight.