Streaking Talk ‘N Text squad starts run for rare Grand Slam with game vs Alaska

Games Wednesday:
Araneta Coliseum
5 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Air21
7:15 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Alaska

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters begin their quest for the rare grandslam with a match against the Alaska Aces in the main game of the newly opened 36th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

After winning the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cup tournaments, the Texters are now looking to become the fourth team to win a grandslam. Only three teams have done that so far—Crispa, San Miguel and Alaska.

Due to the handicapping system, the Texters will have a shorter import compared to the other teams. The team has tapped 6-foot-1 import Maurice Baker, who will try to spruce up an already potent local crew led by Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes, Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey and Jason Castro.

The Texters will be facing a new-look Alaska squad which went through a minor face-lift during the conference break.

The Aces traded versatile forward Joe Devance (now with Deerby Ace) and brought in Jay-arr Reyes, Wesley Gonzales and Aries Dimaunahan.

Alaska will be reinforced by 6-foot-4 veteran import Jason Forte, who once played with the Air21 Express

The Express will also be sporting a new-look local crew when they play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first game.

Air21 has strengthened its lineup with the acquisition of KG Canaleta and Jondan Salvadaor, who will join Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle, Dorian Peña and Paul Artadi.

The Express will still have talented import Alpha Bangura, who helped the team advance to the semifinal round in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Painters are gunning for their second straight victory after starting the tournament with a 95-82 win over the Derby Ace Llamados last Saturday.

Import Arizona Reid led Rain or Shine in that win by firing 36 points.