Sunday, May 11, 2008 Phone Pals gun for sixth win vs. Gin Kings
MANILA—The Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals want to erase the heartbreaking setback the other day from their memory as they meet the equally-determined Barangay Ginebra today in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Talk ‘N Text, which dropped to solo second after a sorry 108-116 loss to lowly Welcoat last Friday, will be aiming for its sixth win against the Kings in their meeting set at 6:50 p.m.
Newly-crowned Philippine Cup titlist Sta. Lucia and Air21 Express break their tie at third spot when they collide in the first match.
For coach Chot Reyes, it was very disappointing for the Phone Pals to lose to the Dragons for the second time this season following another 125-126 humiliation in the Philippine Cup on Nov. 11 last year that only a strong comeback may soften the wound.
A win today by the Phone Pals would at least strengthen their hold of the second spot and will move them just a game away from closest pursuers Air 21 and Sta. Lucia, which are toting identical 4-3 card.
But the Gins may not be an easy prey for the Phone Pals as coach Jong Uichico’s wards are seeking for an all-important win that may boost their confidence with 7-foot-1 import Chris Alexander at the helm.
The Ginebra Kings will suit up in the match coming off an 88-97 loss to the Express last Wednesday that still cast enough apprehension over the capability of the new import to bail them out of trouble.
Uichico, however, said it’s still too early to judge Alexander, who last played with the Sioux Falls in the National Basketball Development League, where he averaged 11.6 points and 11.2 rebounds in the semifinals last year. (FCC)
