For Talk `N Text coach Chot Reyes, the real Ali Peek and Kelly Williams will need to show up for Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beer. “If not, there’s no way we could win the best-of-seven title series," said Reyes.
Displeased at the way his two big men had been performing in the title match-up, Reyes openly blasted Peek and Williams in the aftermath of their lackluster showing in Sunday night’s Game 4 loss that leveled things up at two games apiece.
“We just need to put out the paging missing persons on Kelly and Ali," said Reyes moments after the team’s 91-87 setback. “I hope they show up for Game Five because we can’t beat this team (SMB) if they don’t."
That Game 5 date is on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum, with momentum going on the side of San Miguel after it won back-to-back games to bounce back from an early 0-2 deficit in the series.
Two-time league Most Valuable Player Danny Ildefonso is partly responsible for the Beermen’s remarkable comeback.
After averaging just 6.1 points in the first two games of the Finals, the 6-foot-5 veteran center finished in double figures in Games 3 and 4, including 17 in their last outing.
The pride of Urdaneta, Pangasinan came through with seven markers in the fourth period when the Tropang Texters were at the height of their searing rally from 17 points down.
The same can’t be said of Peek and Williams.
Peek dropped in form the last two matches, as he was held to a combined eight points, without a single field goal in Game 3.
But even worse was Williams.
The former MVP hasn’t made his presence felt four games into the Finals, shooting just 7-of-17 from the field for a combined output of 22 points.
And unless Talk `N Text’s main frontliners get their act together, Reyes believes his team can’t beat a rejuvenated San Miguel side.
“Kelly Williams and Ali Peek have been on vacation. Akala ‘ata nila tapos na. They have been non-existent," he said. “Maybe dapat painumin ng coffee para magising, Red Bull, or even a shot of Scotch. They have been completely absent. We have no chance if those two don’t show up."
Other than that, Reyes also feels the Tropang Texters have to find a way to get their offense back. The team has remained stagnant the past two outings, when it was held in the 80s by the relentless San Miguel defense.
Talk `N Text averaged 100.5 points in Games 1 and 2.
KY, RCJ, GMANews.TV
