Chot Reyes of Talk N Text and Jong Uichico of Ginebra were almost a study in contrast during the post-game interviews last Wednesday. The usually affable Reyes was uncommonly reserved with his statements, carefully choosing his words, while Uichico uttered sentences in his typical matter-of-fact way, with a half-smile on his face. It’s as if the shoe was on the other foot.
Reyes’ Tropang Texters have just pulled off a gritty 91-84 come-from-behind victory in Game 4 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals showdown at the Araneta Coliseum, putting them on the verge of a second straight championship. Yet it was Uichico who seemed quite pleased despite the fact the Kings blew a 17-point third quarter lead and dug themselves a deep 1-3 hole in the best-of-seven championship duel.
"I think we did play very well tonight," said Uichico. "I think we defended very well, I think we were able to score in the first half pretty well. We got them to a low-scoring game and that’s what we want."
The Texters can wrap up the series today and follow up on their season-opening Philippine Cup title conquest. But they must not look that far ahead, according to Reyes, who predicted Ginebra will go into Game 5 even more fired up.