Games Wednesday:

(DHVSU gym)
3 p.m. — Meralco vs. NLEX
6 p.m. — Talk N Text vs. Ginebra

IN a rematch of last year’s title showdown at the Clark bubble, top seed Talk N Text and No. 8 seed Barangay Ginebra clash in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Game time is 6 p.m. with the Tropang Giga enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage over the Gin Kings in this No.1 vs No. 8 quarterfinal encounter.

The Tropang Giga, who topped the elimination round with a 10-1 win-loss card, need only to win once to advance to the semifinals against the winner of the San Miguel Beer-NorthPort matchup.

Aside from finishing as the No.1 team in the elims, Talk N Text will also enter the court buoyed by its 88-67 win over Ginebra last Sept. 12.

The Gin Kings, who earned the right to meet Talk N Text by eliminating Phoenix Super LPG in a playoff match, need to win twice to advance and keep their title-retention bid alive.

Talk N Text coach Chot Reyes said their “win-once” bonus would mean nothing if they fail to accomplish their task against the Kings.

“We just want to make sure that we keep our focus on what’s in front of us,” Reyes was quoted as saying in Talk N Text’s victory over Ginebra early this month.

“As you know, every game day, what’s in front of us is … the antigen test. Sa amin, ‘yun ang unang-unang pinaka-importante.”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted the herculean task facing his team.

“They (Tropang Giga) are playing extremely good basketball. They’ve hardly been touched. I think the only team that really gave them a run for their money was San Miguel,” said Cone in earlier interviews.

“Aside from that, they pretty much dominated just about everybody. We know our road is tough, there is no doubt about it. But our guys will battle,” he added.

Cone is also worried about his crippled line-up.

“As of today (Tuesday), Scottie (Thompson) is still out and doubtful for the TNT game. We will remain shorthanded it seems, but the guys are in good spirits and ready to play.”

In the 3 p.m. curtainraiser, No. 2 Meralco also takes the first of two cracks at the semis when it plays against No. 7 NLEX.

Meralco coach Norman Black is hoping the Bolts can duplicate their 104-101 victory over the Road Warriors and reach the semis against the winner of the Magnolia-Rain or Shine quarterfinal showdown.