Talk ‘N Text's Jimmy Alapag (bottom) crashes to the floor after a fierce struggle for possession with Burger King forward Gary David (top) as TNT's Mark Cardona (right) looks on in Friday’s PBA game won by the Tropang Texters, 115-104. (PBA MEDIA BUREAU)

Games Sunday
(Araneta Coliseum)
4:00 p.m. — Burger King vs Coca-Cola
6:30 p.m. — Purefoods vs San Miguel

Purefoods TJ Hotdogs coach Ryan Gregorio will rely on his wards’ “Big D” when they collide against powerhouse San Miguel Beer this Sunday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Defense will be the emphasis against an incredible offensive powerhouse like SMB,” said Gregorio as they try to extend their winning streak to five in their 6:30 p.m. encounter.

Coca-Cola, meantime, tries to end an eight-game losing run against Burger King at 4 p.m.

With their formidable lineup, the Beermen are sporting a 9-3 record – second best in the tournament – while the Hotdogs are tied for third with Talk ’N Text at 8-4.

The Beermen’s nine-game winning run was halted by league-leading Alaska last Wednesday after the Aces pulled off a gut-wrenching 122-116 overtime win despite another monster performance from Arwind Santos, who banged in 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

The Hotdogs are gunning for revenge after they were creamed by the Beermen the first time they met, 92-76.

Though the Beermen have established stars in every position, Gregorio said the discipline and determination they showed in their last four games will be their weapon against their sister team.

“We’ve displayed great determination to keep a stronghold on being the best defensive team,” Gregorio said.

“In fact, we are proud to have limited our last four opponents to a measly average of 72.2 points.”

Expected to lead the Hotdogs are James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, the team’s 1-2 punch, as well as Roger Yap, the best player for Purefoods the last two games.

The Giants’ four wins were against Barako Bull (70-66), Ginebra (89-81), Coca-Cola (88-79), and Sta. Lucia Realty (68-63).

SMB coach Siot Tanquincen said they have to deny Purefoods from taking control of the boards to have a good chance.

“We can’t afford to let them to control the boards,” he said.

Tanquingcen will lean on his mainstays including Santos, the leading Best Player of the Conference candidate, Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena, Mic Pennisi, Mike Cortez, Jonas Villanueva, Dennis Miranda, Lordy Tugade, and Danny Seigle.

Coke is looking to end an eight-game losing skid after the Tigers lost to the Sta. Lucia Realtors (92-98), while the Whoppers are hoping to bounce back from a 104-115 loss to defending champion Talk ’N Text Friday night in Antipolo City.

Burger King downed Coke in their first round face-off (106-97), but the Tigers are hoping that with they can compete with Asi Taulava back from a right sprained ankle after playing against SLR where he had eight points and 10 rebounds.