Highly touted Alaska makes conference debut, faces Talk ‘N Text
Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
5:15 p.m.- Globalport vs. San Mig
7:30 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Alaska
NEWLY CROWNED Commissioner’s Cup champions Alaska Aces begin their back-to-back title bid, finally seeing action in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
Alaska is tagged as one title favorites in the season-ending tournament following their successful run in the Commissioner’s Cup, where it copped its 13th title via a three-game sweep of the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the Finals.
Article continues after this advertisementFor this conference, the Aces will be reinforced by Wendell McKines, who, according to scouting reports, is a bigger version of Alaska’s energetic rookie Calvin Abueva.
Article continues after this advertisementMcKines will be up against Tony Mitchell, who exploded for 28 points in leading the Texters to a 118-113 overtime win over the Barako Bull Energy Colas last Friday.
The Texters somehow found a way to escape the Energy Colas despite the absence of several key players.
Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier didn’t suit up for Talk ‘N Text as they were allowed to take a much-needed rest following their gruelling stint with Gilas Pilipinas.
Talk ‘N Text was also without Harvey Carey, who is in the US for his wedding.
New recruit Sean Anthony helped Talk ‘N Text overcome its depleted lineup as he marked his first game with the team with a 23-point production.
Meanwhile, the San Mig Coffee Mixers look to finally barge into the win column when they play Globalport Batang Pier.
Despite having a healthy James Yap back, the Coffee Mixers are still on a faulty start after dropping their first two games.
San Mig first bowed to the defending champions Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 75-79, before losing again to the Air21 Express, 82-93, to drop to the bottom of the standings.
Globalport split its first two games, winning over the Express, 101-94, before losing badly to the Painters, 74-94. /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA
