NLEX shoots for win No. 2 vs Talk ‘N Text

JAKE Pascual of Barako Bull tries to grab the loose ball off a fallen Cliff Hodge of Meralco in Wednesday’s game won by the Bolts. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Newcomer NLEX guns for the solo lead today when it clashes with Talk ‘N Text even as Rain or Shine and Blackwater seek breakthrough victories in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fresh from a 101-96 trouncing of Globalport, the Road Warriors face another tough test against the Tropang Texters at 4:15 p.m. before the Elasto Painters square off with the Elite at 7.

With veterans Asi Taulava and Mac Cardona holding the fort, the Road Warriors came up with an auspicious debut, rallying in the last five minutes for their first victory Tuesday night.

The Road Warriors will welcome coach Boyet Fernandez, who will finally call the shots after steering San Beda to a fifth straight NCAA crown last Wednesday. Even without Fernandez, the Road Warriors showed steely resolve as the ageless Taulava came up big down the stretch on his way to a team-high 21 points against the Batang Pier.

But they will be tangling with a Talk ‘N Text squad eager to bounce back from an 81-101 shellacking from Ginebra on opening-day last Sunday.

Gilas Pilipinas standouts Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo, who are on an extended break following their stint with the national team, remain doubtful for the Tropang Texters.

Only two weeks into the job, Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico struggled to find the right combinations in the loss to the Gin Kings. There were encouraging signs though for Uichico with Kelly Williams delivering a big game with 20 points and rookie Kevin Alas finishing with 10 points in his debut.

The Elasto Painters are determined to finally get their season going after falling to the San Miguel Beermen, 79-87, Tuesday night in a game where Rain or Shine guard Paul Lee limped off due to an injury.

Although he remains doubtful for today’s game, the Painters’ concerns were eased by Lee, who fell after a collision with San Miguel guard Chris Ross during a fastbreak play, saying the injury isn’t serious as initially feared.

The Elite, one of two expansion teams this season, is smarting from a 66-80 loss to a KIA squad that featured boxing star Manny Pacquiao last Sunday at the Philippine Arena.

Blackwater coach Leo Isaac believes his team can play better, ruing the fact that the Elite committed 29 turnovers and wasted a 13-point lead in the loss to the Sorento.