PBA: Ailing Texters face Gin Kings

Ronald Tubid versus Ali Peek. Photo by Nuki Sabio, PBA

MANILA, Philippines—Hounded by health issues, Talk ‘N Text tries to keep second place when it tangles with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters bucked the absence of three key players in a 96-86 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters last week and they intend to match that effort against the Gin Kings at 6:30 p.m.

Barako Bull, running third at 4-2, battles Powerade at 4:15 p.m.

The first victim of Alaska this season, Barako Bull remains slightly favored over a Powerade squad brimming with confidence after its 108-94 rout of Petron last week where Gary David set a career-high 42 points.

Two games behind the Elasto Painters (6-1), the defending champion Texters have ruled out injured starting point guard Jimmy Alapag (foot) for the rest of the month while forwards Ranidel De Ocampo (broken nose) and Harvey Carey (knee) were diagnosed as day to day.

Ryan Reyes will again step in for Alapag and Jared Dillinger should be ready to give the crippled team the needed backcourt stability.

So far, the TNT frontline remained solid through the 6-foot-9 Japeth Aguilar and Ali Peek.
“Our major concern was our health problem. But we talked about it and decided that we would win on defense,’’ said TNT head coach Chot Reyes, whose Tropang Texters are coming off a nine-day break.

The Gin Kings, tied with the Tigers at 3-3, aren’t bothered by injuries but threw away the chance to keep their streak burning in a 93-87 defeat to the Meralco Bolts Friday night.

Expected to lead the Kings are Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Nino Canaleta and JC Intal.

While David will be the focus of the Bull defense, the Energy also have to deal with crack rookies Marcio Lassiter, and Jvee Casio.

“We experienced some struggles but we have the players who will make sure that we’ll be a tough competitor in this league,’’ said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

Rookie Dylan Ababou is expected to deliver again for the Energy along with veterans Willie Miller and Danny Seigle.