Ginebra tries to topple down Talk N’ Text. Photo Nuki Sabio, PBA
MANILA, Philippines — After snapping out of a five-game losing skid, Barangay Ginebra, which coach Siot Tanquingcen describes to be “having more with less,” will have its hands full again Sunday when it clashes with PBA Philippine Cup leader Talk ‘N Text at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Gametime is 6:30 p.m. with the Gin Kings hoping to take the momentum of an 81-79 victory over Globalport on Friday into their clash with the highly favored defending champion Tropang Texters.
Ginebra snapped out of the rut after dealing star point guard Mike Cortez to Air21 five days ago, a move that Tanquingcen said allowed some of his veterans to have a freer hand.
In the 4:15 p.m. game, powerhouse Petron Blaze tries to avoid a second three-game losing streak in its clash with dangerous Meralco.
Ginebra traded Cortez for 6-foot-7 rookie Yousef Taha, who could solve the big-man woes of the Kings in the young season.
But Tanquingcen benched Taha on Friday against the Batang Pier even as Cortez immediately won a game for the Express by drilling in Air21’s final five points in an 86-85 win over Barako Bull.
“He’s going to be a work in progress,” Tanquingcen said of Taha. “He has to learn the system first through practice.”
And against the Texters today, Ginebra will again be dwarfed by one of the beefiest, most agile frontline that has been the dominant force in the league for the last three seasons.
Mark Caguioa will continue to be the first option for the Kings in offense while Jason Castro, Kelly Williams and the returning Ryan Reyes are the vital cogs for the Texters.