E-Painters, Texters in key encounter tonight

RAIN or Shine tries to stay within striking distance of the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup leaders when the Elasto Painters tangle with defending champion Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters today at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Painters hope to improve their third-running 4-2 record in their 8 p.m. clash with the Tropang Texters, who are showing steady improvement in their quest to win this event an unprecedented fourth straight season.

Idle Petron Blaze shows the way at 7-0 and Barangay Ginebra is second at 5-1.

Meanwhile, San Mig Coffee—one of two fancied sides still struggling with a 1-5 slate—tangles with dangerous Barako Bull at 5:45 p.m.

The Mixers have so far been the great underachievers of the tournament, and they must start piling up wins now if they wish to avoid either the No. 1 or the No. 2 team in the playoffs—if they get there at all.

Only Air21, which has a 1-6 mark, has a worse record than the Mixers, the reigning Governors’ Cup champions who are armed to the teeth with talent in all positions but are struggling big time.

Paul Lee, the top rookie two seasons ago, and Jeff Chan remain the prime offensive options of the Painters, who got a glimpse of how good the Texters have become of late after Talk ‘N Text had taken the Gin Kings to the full route last week.

With Ryan Reyes, the only regular not back in the Talk ‘N Text lineup, the Texters have regained their usual strength.

Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier will provide the firepower, with the muscle coming from former MVP Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo underneath.

Rookie Raymond Almazan, the third overall choice in the Draft, will be tested by Williams and De Ocampo in the shaded lane.

How the 6-foot-7 former Letran ace in the NCAA and the rest of Yeng Guiao’s frontline fare could more or less dictate the outcome of the main game.