ALASKA shoots for the solo lead when it takes on the short-handed Talk ‘N Text side on Monday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Tied at the top with team Barako Bull, the unbeaten Aces gun for their fourth win, with import Romeo Travis to lead the way against a Texters squad that has missed the services of veterans Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro during its first two games.
[See Alaska holds off Rain or Shine as JVee Casio foils last-gasp drive by Paul Lee]
Ranidel de Ocampo, voted the Finals MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup, was rested due to a swollen knee, while Best Player of the Conference Jayson Castro has been given a rest after a tough championship series against Rain or Shine.
Both remain doubtful and Talk ‘N Text will continue to rely on imports Steffphon Pettigrew and Jordanian guard Sam Daghlas in the 7 p.m. game.
Larry Fonacier, Danny Seigle and rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser are also expected to deliver huge as the Tropang Texters try to bounce back from a 100-87 shellacking at the hands of Barako Bull Energy.
[See Barako Bull rides monster game from McMorrow to bring down injury-hit Talk 'N Text]
Sonny Thoss, who missed a big part of the Commissioner’s Cup due to a plantar fascia tear, is now healthy, and will serve as the anchor of Alaska’s tough defense inside with Travis, Vic Manuel and Calvin Abueva providing the hustle.
The left-handed Travis is averaging solid numbers of 24 points and 13.5 rebounds, while shooting above 50 percent from the field in the Aces’ three games.
TNT also needs to keep an eye on JV Casio, RJ Jazul and Cebuano sniper Dondon Hontiveros, who combined for seven three-point shots against Rain or Shine.
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