Texters hope to break slump today, battle Bolts

MANILA—Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes realizes his team is beginning to feel the strain of a long arduous season.

But the Tropang Texters cannot afford to relax when the take on the Meralco Bolts today to earn a spot in the top six of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“We’re starting to feel the strain of our long season, not to mention the effects of our killer Digos-Dubai trip,” said Reyes, whose Texters are tied with Barangay Ginebra and Rain Or Shine with four victories and two losses.

“We’ve got to muster enough energy to handle the Bolts,” he added.

The Painters earlier try to nail a semifinal berth when they tackle the Alaska Aces at 5:30 p.m.

TNT has dropped two of its last four games, including a 96-101 setback at the hands of an all-Filipino Petron Blaze crew last Saturday.

Reyes said he cannot afford another loss since the Texters have only two games left and seven others remain in contention for the remaining five slots in the semifinals.

“This is a huge game for us,” said Reyes.

The Bolts are also aching to bounce back following a 113-116 overtime loss to the Elasto Painters that dropped them into a tie with the Aces at 3-3.

“Both teams are eager to bounce back strong,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.

“We don’t really have much of a choice but to sweep our last two games. But the best thing about our situation is that our destiny is still within our complete control,” he added.

Meralco import Tim Pickett will be a mark after posting a triple-double of 28 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists against the Elasto Painters.

“TNT is not an easy foe, they are packed with solid players and we pale in comparison in terms of championship experience. We must come in with a very strong determination to compete, fight until the end and win,” said Gregorio.

Meanwhile, Petron has replaced injured Jeremy Wise with Anthony Grundy, who is set to arrive today.
Petron coach Ato Agustin said the North Carolina State alum should be ready against Powerade on Friday.