Ginebra tries to build streak against Talk ‘N Text; Petron battles Meralco

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel battles league-leader Talk ‘N Text while Meralco hopes to bounce back from a humiliating loss in a crucial double-header in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Kings and the Tropang Texters collide at 6:30 p.m. while the Bolts square off with Petron Blaze in the opener at 4:15 p.m.

Ginebra is coming off a much-needed 81-79 win over GlobalPort last Friday to end a five-game losing streak and coach Siot Tanquingcen hopes the team can bring that confidence in the game against Talk ‘N Text.

“That was a confidence booster tapos mabigat pa ang kalaban. Our character is being tested,” said Tanquingcen, whose team’s win-loss record improved to 3-5.

“It’s a learning process for us. We have to keep on working on getting everybody involved para mapadali ang trabahi ng main guys namin.”

And Ginebra really needs everybody to contribute as the Tropang Texters will be at full strength with Jared Dillinger and Ryan Reyes returning to their fold.

In the opener, Meralco, currently in the middle of the standings at 4-3, tries to get back on the winning track after yielding a 106-81 decision to Rain or Shine the last time out.

“We didn’t put a game on both ends of the floor against Rain or Shine. Our high-scoring offense was stymied while our lock-down defensive wall collapsed. Worse, we were not able to match Rain or Shine’s physicality,” said Bolts coach Ryan Gregorio.

“Now, we know better. The stakes are higher and our defensive stance must be tougher.”

They will be facing an undermanned Boosters side, which are coming off a 92-82 loss to Talk ‘N Text to drop in the team standings at 3-5.

The Olsen Racela-coached Petron played without Dorian Pena, rookie June Mar Fajardo and Danny Ildefonso because of injuries.

SOURCE: Interaksyon