THE table has just been turned against Talk ’N Text. After showing invincibility in the first two games, the Tropang Texters are now scrambling to concoct an antidote to counter San Miguel Beer’s streak in their best-of-seven championship series for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

The Beermen put the Tropang Texters in a scary situation by tying the series at 2-2 and head coach Ato Agustin felt the pressure has mounted the Tropang Texters while the momentum, definitely, is with them.

“We will grab this opportunity lalo na’t nasa amin ang momentum ngayon,” said the San Miguel rookie coach minutes after the Beermen pulled off a 91-87 escape in Game Four on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Like I’ve said, when we won Game Three, ang pressure nasa kanila at lalo ngayon, nanalo kami ulit, ‘yung pressure nasa kanila ulit,” he added.

The crucial Game Five is set on Wednesday also at the Big Dome at 7 p.m.

Veteran guard Olsen Racela, who had four crucial points and one important loose ball recovery in the closing seconds of Game Four, said his teammates had finally settled down in the series.

“Nakuha na namin kung paano sila talunin,” said the 40-year-old Racela, who promised to give his all in the remaining games—possibly three if a Game Seven will have to be played—of his career. He will retire after the series is over.

“Experience will now become a factor in the series,” added Racela, who has nine PBA titles in his collection and wants to make it 10 before hanging up his No. 17 jersey for good.

Anthony Washington, the tournament’s Best Player, and Arwind Santos were again at the forefront of San Miguel Beer’s offense in Game Four.

But Agustin underscored Danny Ildefonso’s contributions in the last two games as the main reason the Beermen are back in the series.

The two-time Most Valuable Player, who struggled with six points per game earlier in the series, posted 12 and 17 points in Games Three and Four to become San Miguel Beer’s other offensive option.

“At least he’s stepping up,” said Agustin of Ildefonso. “Buti naka-recover siya after the first two games at kung maganda ang ipinapakita niya, okay ang takbo ng team.”

If Agustin is getting consistent numbers from his big men, Tropang Texters head coach Chot Reyes criticized his own frontliners, particularly Ali Peek and Kelly Williams. He said they were “on vacation” mode and were practically “absent” in the last two games.

“We cannot beat this team unless my ‘bigs’ show up,” said Reyes. “It seems that Kelly and Ali have taken a vacation. Akala ’ata nila tapos na. In the past two games, they were just completely nonexistent.”

Peek and Williams combined for just five points in Talk ’N Text’s 82-103 loss in Game Three and were held to a total of six in Game Four.

“Maybe, we just need to put out the missing persons bulletin for Kelly and Ali. I hope they show up in Game Five. We have no chance if those two [Peek and Williams] don’t show up,” Reyes added.

Joel Orellana, Business Mirror