Talk ‘N Text looks to keep momentum going vs Powerade; Petron, Alaska clash

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Talk ‘N Text eyes its second straight win when it faces Powerade in the opener of the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters and the Tigers, protagonists in the Philippine Cup crown, battle at 4:15 p.m. while defending champion Petron Blaze and Alaska meet in the main contest at 6:30 p.m.

Talk ‘N Text snapped a two-game slide with a 102-87 victory against the Boosters but the All-Filipino champions lost ace defensive guard Ryan Reyes in the match due to a hyperextended knee.

Reyes is doubtful against Powerade and the Texters are already without Jason Castro also because of an injury. Castro has yet to play in the tournament.

“It will be tough without Ryan and Jason as we won’t have our two best (Gary) David stoppers. We’ll just have to find a way,” said Reyes.

David, the only local in the top 10 in scoring in the Governors’ Cup, has been on a rampage offensively dating back to the finals of the Philippine Cup.

The ex-Lyceum standout tallied 31 points against the Aces for his 17th straight game with 20 or more points in the season.

Omar Sneed debuted in style for the Tigers as the 36-year old veteran had a near triple-double game with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists. Sneed replaced Rashad McCants after losing their first two games in the conference.

David and Sneed will again lead Powerade against the Texters, who beat them in the finals in the All-Filipino tournament in five games.

“It’s tough to play back-to-back games and it becomes tougher because we are up against Talk ‘N Text,” said Tigers coach Bo Perasol. “Again, we can’t make excuses. Our team just has to find a way to win.”

In the main game, Petron hopes to get back on its winning ways as it battles Alaska, who is holding a 1-2 mark in the tournament.

The Boosters saw their two-game winning run stopped by the Tropang Texters last Wednesday.

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