Well-rested Globalport battles reeling TNT

FRESH from a long break, Globalport gets back into action against a reeling Talk ’N Text side, hoping to grab a share of the lead in the PBA Governors Cup Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Batang Pier (2-1) matched their franchise-best start when they scored a cliffhanging 91-88 win over the Alaska Aces on Aug. 23 behind Gary David’s game-winning three-point shot.

Gametime is at 4:15 p.m.

Globalport coach Junel Baculi has a formidable starting lineup featuring former two-time PBA MVP Willie Miller, David, veteran playmaker Solomon Mercado and newly-acquired 6’7” forward Jay Washington but is hoping to get more from the Batang Pier’s supporting cast especially against the Tropang Texters, who are aching to get back on the winning track after absorbing their second straight setback Friday night.

“They (Batang Pier) want to prove something,” said Baculi.

“JayWash, Sol, Gary and Willie, that’s a formidable line up if you look at it, but we have to have the support of the bench. I keep telling them (bench players) that you are the energy, give the energy to these veterans (when you play).”

Hardworking Globalport import Markeith Cummings will be ranged against Talk ’N Text’s high-scoring reinforcement Tony Mitchell.

Cummings is averaging 29.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.0 steals for the Batang Pier as opposed to Mitchell’s league-best 39.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Talk ’N Text coach Norman Black says the team is off to an “awkward” conference because of the way the Tropang Texters started their Governors Cup.

The team missed four of its key players led by Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo, Jason Castro and Larry Fonacier during its first two games. The four were given a month off after their heroic performances with Gilas Pilipinas.

“We need a win, so we will just go out and give our all. We are constantly adjusting because of the awkwardness of our conference,” said Black.

“But we will try to improve every game until we get back to playing the way we know we can.”

Castro, along with de Ocampo and Fonacier returned on Friday.

The 5’10” cat-quick Castro marked his return with 18 points, though he missed several key layups in the endgame as the Tropang Texters bowed to the Bolts, 86-92.

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/batang-pier-eye-lead-as-they-battle-reeling-texters-v02