Undermanned Talk ‘N Text opens campaign vs Meralco; Ginebra, Air 21 duel

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Undermanned Talk ‘N Text hopes to find a way to beat Meralco as they collide in the main game of the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Reeling from their Commissioner’s Cup finals loss to B-MEG, the Tropang Texters try to recover as they take on the Bolts at 7:30 p.m.

But Talk ‘N Text has to do it minus key players who are expected to sit out today’s game because of injuries.

“Coming off only three days of practice and playing without Jimmy (Alapag), Kelly (Williams) and Ryan (Reyes), we have very little time for tomorrow’s game,” said Tropang Texters head coach Chot Reyes.

“We will just try our best to battle and find a way to win. But honestly we were not ready at all,” he added.

Harvey Carey and Ranidel de Ocampo are also doubtful for tonight’s game so Reyes will have to rely on import Paul Harris, Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier on offense.

Meralco encountered misfortune in its import search as two previous prospects, Devin Green and Juan Pattillo, measured over the 6’5 height ceiling.

The Bolts recalled Champ Oguchi to reinforce them in the tournament.

“Champ is known as a shooter from the three and good floor spacer. I expect him to compliment the games of Mac (Cardona), Sol (Mercado) and Chris Ross who are comfortable attacking the basket,” said Gregorio.

“We want to start on the right foot. It is a very tough format and you can’t have a day-off,” he added.

In the first game, Barangay Ginebra and Air 21 square off at 5:15 p.m. with the Kings parading former UCLA star Cedric Bozeman.

Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen said Bozeman is doing well in practice while Mark Caguioa has been given the green light to play after a serious eye injury in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Air21 will be banking on Zach Graham for the season-ending conference.

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