San Miguel's Dondon Hontiveros (right) finds himself trapped under the basket by Alaska's Tony dela Cruz, Sonny Thoss, and Jeff Cariaso during their PBA game last Wednesday. The Aces won in overtime, 122-116. (Photo by TONY PIONILLA)

Games Thursday (Ynares Sports Center)
2:30 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Barako Bull
5:00 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs Coca-Cola
7:30 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Burger King

Defending champion Talk ’N Text tries to keep pace with leaders in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup this Friday when the Tropang Texters battle the Burger King Whoppers at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Texters face the Whoppers in the 7:30 p.m. main game after the 2:30 meeting of Smart-Gilas and Barako Bull and the 5 o’clock battle of Sta. Lucia and Coca-Cola.

Talk ’N Text is coming off a 107-104 win over Coke last Saturday in General Santos City where Mark Cardona scattered 21 points while Harvey Carey contributed 20 and 14 rebounds, although it was Ali Peek who delivered the big baskets down the stretch.

The Texters share fourth spot with idle Barangay Ginebra with a 7-4 slate, three games behind the leading Alaska Milk Aces.

And Talk ’N Text will aim to claim a share of third spot with Purefoods while trying to repeat their 118-105 victory over the Whoppers in the first round.

“Every game is practically a must-win for us from hereon,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said noting that the second-placed team, San Miguel Beer (9-3), is one-and-a-half game ahead of his squad.

The Whoppers, meanwhile, are fresh from a 101-99 win over Rain or Shine last Sunday in a game where coach Yeng Guiao was ejected in the second period for using profane words on the referees and the technical officials.

Meanwhile, the Tigers will have Asi Taulava back after missing nine games due to a sprained right ankle when they face the Realtors.