Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes wants his Tropang Texters to erase all other things in their minds
except the game at hand on Friday.

The sense of urgency that Reyes is demanding from his team is reasonable and understandable given the prize at stake.

The Tropang Texters are one win away from advancing to the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup Finals and Reyes would love to get the job done when they face B-Meg Derby Ace in Game 6 of their semifinal match-up on Friday.

Game Six is set at 5 o’clock at the Araneta Coliseum.

Following their overpowering victory in Game 5 Wednesday, many observers believe there’s no
stopping the Tropang Texters from making their way to the Finals against the winner of the other semifinal showdown between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.

Reyes, of course, would be pleased if it happens. But he has been in the playoffs many times before so he knows their fortune could take a spin for the worse overnight.

His apprehensions are validated. Record shows that the Tropang Texters had lost on three previous best-of-seven playoffs with a 3-2 lead.

“The key on Friday is just to forget everything and play the game of our lives,” Reyes
declared.

TnT pulverized the defending champions, 97-83, in Game 5 largely because it dominated the boards [53-46], the bench outscored Derby Aces’ reserves [68-11] and played outstanding defense, particularly on Derby Ace star shooting guard James Yap, who managed 24 points on 7-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-11 from 3-point range.

“I won’t be surprise if James explodes on Friday. We just have to take it and withstand it, and
hope we can survive, Reyes said.

“If they shoot well, it would be tough beating them. Hopefully, we’re in better shape than
them.” (DBC)