With its stars back in the groove, powerhouse Talk ‘N Text guns for a share of the lead while trying to bury fading Globalport deeper in the standings when they clash today in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Jason Castro is returning from sick bay and Ranidel de Ocampo, after sitting out the first two games, is nearing 100 percent for the Tropang Texters, who are favored in their 7 p.m. battle with the Batang Pier.
While Talk ‘N Text is on a roll, the Batang Pier need a win badly to perk up their spirits after losing their last two games following a franchise-best start of three straight wins.
Meralco and newcomer Blackwater try to bounce back from stinging losses the last time out when they slug it out in the 4:15 p.m. contest.
The Elite will be coming off possibly the most heart-breaking loss in their young PBA participation, a double-overtime 83-76 defeat at the hands of fellow rookie squad KIA Motors last week.
The Tropang Texters, who are working to win a second straight title, got going with Castro, De Ocampo, rookie Kevin Alas and defensive man Aaron Aban out of commission because of different injuries.
American import Steffphon Pettigrew and Asian reinforcement Sam Daghles helped the Texters stay afloat and with Castro and De Ocampo back, Talk ‘N Text is again flaunting fearsome form.
Globalport, meanwhile, lost to Rain or Shine in Dubai last week even with Terrence Romeo shooting a career-high 40 points and import Jarrid Famous and Omar Krayem posting big numbers.
Blackwater came back from as large as 19 points down against KIA only to sputter in the two extensions where the Elite scored just two points each to become a sorry footnote in the lowest-scoring double-overtime game ever.
Blackwater will have a size edge over the Bolts because of 6-foot-10 Marcus Douthit.
Douthit was outplayed by KIA’s Hamady N’Diaye in that game where the Senegalese blocked nine shots, four on the naturalized national team standout.