TNT seeks lead vs D. Ace

MANILA—Talk N’ Text seeks to regain a share of the lead with San Miguel when it collides with B-Meg Derby Ace today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Flashing sharp form of late, the Tropang Texters are favored to score a third straight victory against the shorthanded Llamados in their 5 p.m. encounter. A victory will give the Tropang Texters a piece of top spot with the Beermen, who notched their sixth win in seven games after trouncing Meralco, 86-77, Wednesday night.  Air21, fresh off a resounding victory over Powerade, battles Barangay Ginebra in the main game at 7:30 p.m. Though the Express rallied impressively in the second half to claim a 102-95 win over the Tigers, coach Yeng Guiao believes his team will not have the luxury of a slow start against the Gin Kings. “I don’t think we would win against Ginebra if we play like the first half against Powerade,” said Guiao, whose team shot a woeful 25 percent from the field in the first two quarters against the Tigers.  Adjustments on defense “Ginebra is just too talented and we’ll just have to tighten up and make adjustments on defense,” Guiao added. 
Ronjay Buenafe will again be the focal point of the Express’ attack, after the stocky shooting guard buried 28 points in just 25 minutes against the Tigers. The Express, with their tall, youthful roster, are expected to have their hands full against  a guard-loaded Ginebra squad, which has been leaning on the backcourt trio of Willie Miller, Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa as it tries to compensate its shortage of big men. Despite the underperforming Llamados’ woeful 1-5 start, Texters coach Chot Reyes said they are not taking the defending champions lightly. “No, we’re not thinking of San Miguel Beer yet, we still have to prepare for Derby Ace, a team capable of causing us problems,” said Reyes. Sidelined by injuries The Llamados have been out of sorts this conference with big men Rafi Reavis, Mark Pingris and Kerby Raymundo all sidelined by injuries. That has left most of the burden on reigning Most Valuable Player James Yap and last season’s rookie of the year Rico Maierhofer. Jason Castro starred in the Texters’ 93-83 victory over Alaska Sunday night and Reyes hopes the former Philippine Christian University standout continues his brilliant form. Castro had 17 points against the Aces, including 14 in the fourth period when the Texters pulled away for good.