(CNN Philippines) — Talk ’N Text import Ivan Johnson has a reputation of being short-tempered, while Rain or Shine enforcer Beau Belga is best-known for getting under the skin of his opponents.
What does that mean?
When the Tropang Texters and the Elasto Painters collide in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals starting Wednesday (April 15), will Belga try to agitate the temperamental Johnson?
“Hindi,” Belga said at the pre-finals press conference Monday (April 13).
“(I will) play my usual game. Kung mapikon siya sa akin wala akong magagawa. Sa laro naman ng basketball ang pikon talo e.”
Related: Rain or Shine, Talk ‘N Text ‘ready for war’
But he admitted it would be an advantage for the Elasto Painters if the former Atlanta Hawk blows his top the way he did against Purefoods Star Hotshots in their semifinals opener, where he engaged Marc Pingris in shouting match after the game.
“Kapag napikon siya, advantage yun sa ‘kin. Hindi ko naman intensyong pikunin siya. Pero ‘yung mapikon siya sa type of game ko wala kong magagawa dun, ‘yun ang role ko e,” the 6-foot-6 beefy center said.
But that’s actually not much of a concern for Belga.
Rain or Shine has not won a series opposite the Tropang Texters. Exorcising that jinx will be the team’s main mission, according to him.
“Nakakadala kalaban Talk ‘N Text kasi hindi pa kami nanalo sa kanila sa series. Pero baka sakali (na manalo),” he said.
Also read: PBA Finals preview – Rain or Shine vs Talk ‘N Text
After all, Rain or Shine’s roster is intact and they have no injured players to worry about.
