TEXTERS, KINGS FIGHT TO SUSTAIN GAIN

The question is which team continues to make progress as Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra clash in the main offering of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday bill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Both the Tropang Texters and the Ginebra Kings seem to have picked up their games with their import replacements, and this provides excitement in their 6:30 p.m. match.

The Texters have won their first two games with Donnell Harvey while the Kings have gone 2-2 with Vernon Macklin.

Both try to sustain their gains with Talk n Text (4-3) out to improve its hold of fourth spot while Ginebra out to tie Barako Bull and Air21 at seventh place at 3-5.

“We have to match the intensity of Ginebra because they played with a real sense of urgency in their game versus San Mig Coffee,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.

“Major concerns will be the outside plays of Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio as well as the strong inside play of Macklin,” Black added.

Ginebra’s spirit is definitely high coming off its best showing in the tournament thus far, turning the tables on San Mig Coffee, 96-88, a week ago.

Caguioa had a hot shooting night, Macklin sizzled with power plays around the basket and Tenorio helped with his clever playmaking as the Kings halted the Mixers’ three-game run.

“It’s nice to beat the champions who are a very strong team. They’re taller, bigger but the guys played with heart,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.

“Nakahuli kami ng malaking isda at sana masundan against Talk n Text,” Chua also said.

The Macklin-Harvey side showdown adds excitement to the match.

Both are steady inside presence, helping their teams improve from lackadaisical start in the mid-season tourney.

For Talk n Text, interesting to see is how Jimmy Alapag and Jared Dillinger come out after the tax-evasion raps filed against by the BIR with the Department of Justice.

The two, through a statement made by their lawyer, have expressed confidence they can resolve the matter. (SB)

SOURCE: PBAinquirer