TALK ‘N TEXT and Barako Bull gun for a share of the lead as they battle separate foes on Sunday in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Tropang Texters face Blackwater, which in parading Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Marcus Douthit, in the opener at 3 p.m., while the Energy clash with crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at 5:15 p.m.
Talk ‘N Text won its opening game against the tough Rain or Shine side, 89-86, with Head Coach Jong Uichico drawing a big lift from the comebacking Willie Miller who had 10 markers in his return to the PBA.
But despite their gritty win, Uichico said his Tropang Texters need to work harder in order to go far in the mid-season conference.
“We don’t look pretty. We have some work at hand. It seems like we’re starting the first conference again the way we are playing so we have to keep on working,” Uichico said.
Balik-import Richard Howell had 13 markers against the Elasto Painters, while Jayson Castro (15) and Ranidel de Ocampo (14) also netted double figures.
But the surprise contribution came from the two-time Most Valuable Player Miller, who was left unsigned prior the season.
“Willie is playing okay. He did not hurt us, he gave us his scoring presence,” said Uichico of the veteran guard.
Talk ‘N Text will meet a familiar face in Douthit, who was signed up by the Elite after their previous import, Chris Charles was downed by a hamstring injury.
Minus the 7-foot Charles, Blackwater absorbed a 70-92 loss to the Energy that extended the team’s losing streak to 12 games dating back last Philippine Cup.
Douthit was given the go signal by the league to suit up for the Elite and the 6-foot-11 center will be playing against his former Gilas teammates de Ocampo, Castro, Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier.
In the main game, the Energy of Coach Koy Banal also seek a 2-0 start in the tournament with a win against the Kings, who dropped a disappointing 74-85 defeat to Meralco.
Barako Bull drew solid games from the two Solomons—import Solomon Alabi and new recruit Solomon Meracdo—in toppling the Elite to win their opening match.