KINGS, TEXTERS MEET IN CRUCIAL FACE-OFF

by **MR. FAST** Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:58 pm

KINGS, TEXTERS MEET IN CRUCIAL FACE-OFF

Published on June 23, 2012

Just as they seem to have got into the groove, Barangay Ginebra and Talk n Text clash in a
much-anticipated matchup, top-billing another super Sunday presentation of the PBA Governors Cup.

The Kings and the Tropang Texters try to boost their respective bids as they square off in the 6:30
p.m. mainer of a weekend bill that is expected to draw a mammoth crowd at the Smart Araneta
Coliseum.

It’s actually an explosive twin-bill featuring four teams – Ginebra, Talk n Text, Powerade and
Meralco -- jockeying for position right behind the frontrunners entering the homestretch of the
elimination round.

The Kings, who have been on and off, are eyeing their first successive victories that can seal their
entry into the six-team semifinals.

The Texters, meanwhile, are out for a third straight victory that can effect changes in the leader
board.

“We need consistency. We keep on running the plays right, and we’ll be okay,” said Ginebra top
gun Mark Caguioa, confident they will eventually end their win-loss-win-loss showing in the tourney.

“Basically, we have to play hard,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“We’ve been trying to survive on a game-to-game basis with our depleted lineup, and Sunday is no
different,” said Talk n Text mentor Chot Reyes.

With its reserves providing a big lift, Ginebra overcame a woeful first half, coming from behind to
whip Alaska Milk, 90-81, Friday.

Second-string players Enrico Villanueva, Nino Canaleta, Dylan Ababou and KG Canaleta fueled their
third-quarter rally carrying the Kings to the biggest comeback win by any team in the conference
thus far.

Curiously, the Kings survived a pair of 17-point deficits after bungling a 16-point lead in their
previous match versus the Powerade Tigers a week ago.

The Texters, on the other hand, come into the game riding the momentum of back-to-back victories
they churned out after a 13-day respite.

“The long layoff gave us a chance to practice and it’s showing in our game. But it is still a
long climb,” said Reyes.

Needless to say, Reyes has deep concerns versus Ginebra.

“We need to win a big game ‘on the road,’” said Reyes, underscoring the fact that they have
to overcome the Ginebra team and the team die-hards.

Reyes and his troops are back in the thick of things in the tourney with victories over the Alaska
Milk Aces and the Barako Bull Energy in their return from a 13-day breather. (SB)

Source: PBA.ph