On their return trip to the Finals of the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup, Talk N’ Text coach Chot
Reyes thinks the franchise could win its second Emilio “Jun” Bernardino Trophy on defense.

“Everybody talks about our ability to score,” said Reyes, who readily cited their semifinal
match-up with B-Meg Derby Ace which he insists they clearly won with their defense.

And to prove that offense is not his team’s strong suit, Reyes, making his 11th career Finals
appearance, noted that Renren Ritualo and Mac Cardona – two of the league’s best scorers – are no longer part of his rotation.

Ritualo, along with Yancy de Ocampo, was dealt to Air21 in March last year. Then during the
off-season Cardona was traded also to Air21 in exchange for draft rights which it eventually used to acquire Larry Fonacier from Alaska.

“When we retooled the team for this conference, we really made special emphasis to focus on
defense,” Reyes explained.

Asked to compare the present roster from his previous teams, Reyes said his team of the past would have to shoot from 3-point territory and make really fantastic offensive plays to win.

In contrast, the team he now has under his disposal is a scrappier team, a well balanced team not as offensively talented than the previous TnT teams.

“Before, we were scoring with our 3-point shooting and offensive prowess, now we’re scoring
through our defense,” Reyes stressed.

So he wasn’t surprised to learn that his defense-oriented troops are leading the conference on
offense.

There’s no doubt the Tropang Texters have embraced their coach’s concept. But whether they
could translate it into a championship remains to be seen.

TnT and San Miguel start their best-of-seven titular series on Saturday in Victorias City, Negros
Occidental.

“Hopefully we could sustain that defense in the Finals against San Miguel,” Reyes said.