TALK 'N Text Tropang Texters started strong and held on to beat Phoenix Fuel Masters, 129-118, in a tune-up game at the Moro Lorenzo Gym on Saturday.
Returning Syrian import Michel Madanly, who suited up for NLEX last year, spearheaded the Tropang Texters' attack with 26 points. Fellow reinforcement Mario Little added 21 points, while Mo Tautuaa had 20 before hurting his right shoulder late in the third quarter.
Tautuaa didn't return to the game but Talk 'N Text still managed to keep Phoenix at arm's length behind Madanly and Little.
The Fuel Masters, who missed the services of top gun JC Intal due to bone spurs on his ankle, were led by Marcus Simmons' game-high 28 markers, while Korean reinforcement Lee Kwan Hee added 17.
New Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia said his imports were tailor-fit for his running team, but found support from his other players lacking on Saturday.
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