Talk N Text head coach Chot Reyes was a picture of frustration during and after the Tropang Texter’s worst defeat of the season at the hands of the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-81 last Wednesday. “We had our worst shooting leading to lowest point total (against Rain or Shine). But what disappoints me more is how badly we got outworked. Hopefully, we can put these things behind us and just focus on the next game”, Reyes said. And that next game will be tonight against the dangerous B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados. Despite the unexpected loss to RoS, the Tropang Texters still leads the six-team semis of the PBA Governor’s Cup with a 7-3 win-loss slate.
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Adding woes to the Tropang Texters playoffs campaign is the untimely injury to prolific forward Ranidel De Ocampo. It was reported that De Ocampo suffered from a fractured nose during a pre-game scrimmage one week ago. Coach Reyes has to dig deeper in his rotation and hope someone will step up his game in the absence of De Ocampo, who is currently averaging 13.3 points and 5.62 rebounds an outing in eight games so far this conference.
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Alaska Aces head coach Tim Cone was criticized for not bringing back LD Williams for the season-ending conference in the Governor’s Cup and instead went for former Air21 Express import Jason Forte as his team’s import reinforcement. Now, Cone is beginning to justify his choice as Forte is slowly but surely has become one of the most consistent imports in the conference. Forte went berserk in pouring in 36 big points in the Aces 88-81 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters last Sunday. The former Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles standout is currently posting norms of 22.0 points and an impressive 15.6 caroms an outing in 10 games so far with the Aces.
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Boosters import Anthony Grundy finally nailed down his first win in Philippine shores and what a way to do it after three starts. Grundy erupted for 21 points to lead the Boosters to a 96-88 overtime win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings. His over-all display of court wizardry was instrumental in overcoming a 28-point deficit in the second canto. Given the chance by Solar Sports courtside reporter Patricia Hizon to give a shout-out during the post-game interview, the all-smile Grundy barked, “I love you PHILIPPINES!”.
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The old spark is back in Barangay Ginebra Kings star Mark Caguioa. Not a few said it is because of his new tomahawk hairstyle. Ever since he wore the said hairdo at the beginning of the Governor’s Cup, Caguioa has found his old rhythm back and has led the Ginebra locals in scoring with a 20.2 points average in ten games.
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