Tropang Texters, Coffee Mixers dispute top spot

Games today

Ynares Center, Antipoli

5:15 p.m.- San Mig vs. Barako Bull

7:30 p.m.- Meralco vs. Talk ‘N Text

THE TOP SPOT will be at stake when the defending champions Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters and the San Mig Coffee Mixers play separate opponents today in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

San Mig Coffee takes on the revamped Barako Bull Energy Cola in the first game, while the Texters look to get back on track against sister-team Meralco Bolts in the main game.

Talk ’N Text still leads the standings with seven wins and two losses but San Mig Coffee is not far behind, holding solo second place with a 6-2 (win-loss) record.

San Mig, owner of four straight victories, could grab the solo lead if it beats Barako Bull and Talk ’N Text falters against Meralco.

NEW COACH

Barako Bull will be parading new head coach Bong Ramos, who took over following the sacking of head coach Junel Baculi. The team is badly needing a win to avoid elimination.

The Energy Cola, which is at ninth place with a 3-6 slate, suffered a major blow as reliable big man Enrico Villanueva was declared out for the season due to an ACL injury.

Meralco, for its part, tries to further move up in the standings as it will try to improve its 5-3 slalte.

Meanwhile, the PBA Office of the Commissioner suspended referee Jimmy Mariano for four games for failing to call a foul on Rob Reyes in the dying seconds of the Alaska-Air21 game last Wednesday.

Television replay showed that Reyes hit rookie Calvin Abueva in the face with an open hand in a loose-ball battle.

The game was tied at 102-all during the controversial play. The Express went on to win the match by a hairline, 104-103.

League Commissioner Chito Salud is set to meet Reyes on Saturday in Tubod, Lanao del Norte when the Express play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA.