Philippine Cup finalists Talk ‘N Text, Powerade make Fiesta Cup debut today

Games today:

Cuneta Astrodome

5:15 p.m.- Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text

7:30 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Powerade

Philippine Cup finalists Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and Powerade Tigers start their campaign in the import-flavored tournament as they take on separate rivals today in the 37th PBA Fiesta Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Texters face the Meralco Bolts in the first game, while the Tigers battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the main game.

Talk ‘N Text and Powerade met in the Philippine Cup finals, where the Texters needed just five games to win the series and become the first team to defend an All-Filipino title in 27 years.

The Texters will be parading import Omar Samhan, who flew in while Talk ‘N Text was still battling Powerade in the Philippine Cup finals.

Although Samhan has been in the country since last month, Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio said he is still unfamiliar with the 6-foot-10 import.

“No idea on Samhan,” Gregorio told pba.ph.

Even Talk ‘N Text head coach Chot Reyes admits that he remains unsure what Samhan could bring on the table.

“A game fraught with uncertainty,” said Reyes. “We’ve just had four practices with our import,” he said.

Meralco is coming off a blowout 105-83 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters, quickly bouncing back from a 93-96 loss to the B-Meg Llamados.

Import Jarrid Famous led Meralco’s win by tallying 26 points.