Games on Friday (Araneta Coliseum)
2:30 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Rain or Shine
5:00 p.m. — Barako Bull vs Burger King
7:30 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Alaska

Defending champion Talk ’N Text and league leader Alaska Milk clash this Friday in a rematch of last year’s Finals protagonists even as Burger King goes for its first back-to-back wins in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters (4-2) shoot for their third straight win opposite the Aces (6-1), who are eager to rebound from their initial setback this conference when they clash at 7:30 p.m.

Burger King, on the other hand, collides with Barako Bull at 5 p.m. with the Whoppers seeking a follow-up to their 106-97 victory over Coke two days back that snapped their three-game losing run.

Both Burger King and Barako have similar 2-5 records, thus making today’s game a must-win for both of them.

Rain or Shine, last year’s biggest revelation following their Final Four appearance in the import-lane tournament, battles Smart-Gilas in the first game at 2:30 p.m.

The Elasto Painters handed the Aces their first defeat last week, 86-81, but they were beaten by Purefoods in their next game, 103-69.

Even against Gilas, Rain or Shine must bring its A-game if it doesn’t want to be embarrassed.

The Texters are coming off two important wins last week.

After beating Coca-Cola (103-94), TNT downed Barako Bull, 93-90, where it erased a 15-point (67-82) deficit in the fourth behind the red-hot shooting of  playmaker Jimmy Alapag.

The veteran guard scored 10 of his game-high 25 points in a telling 21-0 run to take the lead for good, 88-82. That salvo was the fifth best in the league.

Despite their setback to the Elasto Painters, the Aces should not be taken for granted since they have the capabilities to bounce back.

Besides, they also want to prove something following their Finals defeat to the Tropang Texters in last year’s final that went the full route.

“Based on our records, current stats and level of play, we are the clear underdog,” Talk ’N Text head coach Chot Reyes said.

Compounding the situation for the Texters are the health of Harvey Carey (strained right knee), Jared Dillinger (rib injury), and Ranidel de Ocampo (bone spurs).

But Alaska coach Tim Cone knows that TNT is dangerous despite its present woes.