Talk ‘N Text shoots for Philippine Cup lead vs Air 21; Meralco, GlobalPort tussle

InterAKTV · Wednesday, October 17, 2012 · 12:53 am

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Talk ‘N Text guns for the solo lead against Air 21 as Meralco hopes to follow up its huge win against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel versus winless GlobalPort in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tropang Texters and the Express square off in the main game at 7:30 p.m. while the Bolts and Batang Pier collide at 5:15 p.m.
Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black officially returns to the PBA after missing the team’s first two games due to his commitment with Ateneo in the UAAP and he will be pitted against his old rival Franz Pumaren, a five-time champion coach of La Salle.
Black was on the bench when Talk ‘N Text defeated GlobalPort, 108-104, one day after leading the Blue Eagles to their fifth straight UAAP crown.
Assistant Nash Racela handled the squad in the first two matches and Black admitted there’s still a lot to be done for the Tropang Texters to reach their full potential.
“The players are still learning the system,” said Black, whose been with the team for only a month now. “A lot of things we need to improve on especially on the defensive end. Give me three to four weeks and we’ll be running smoothly.”
The Express are coming off a tough 99-98 overtime loss to Rain or Shine and Pumaren knows they need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against the powerful Talk ‘N Text quintet.
“We have to limit their transition points and try to slow them down,” said Pumaren.
Meanwhile, Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio cautions his Bolts not to take GlobalPort lightly as the team of coach Glenn Capacio is due for a win after a 0-3 start.
“It is going to be a huge battle against GlobalPort. They are fighting to get their first win and that makes them very dangerous,” said Gregorio.
“We are not leaving anything to chance. We must make sure that we sustain our intensity on defense. The same defensive mindset exhibited against Alaska and Ginebra is required to continue our winning streak,” he added.
The Bolts shocked the favored Kings in Davao City, 95-88, behind the hustle plays of rookie Cliff Hodge and clutch baskets of Mark Cardona, Sol Mercado and Mark Borboran.
The Batang Pier will continue to miss the services of Gary David due to injury and Capacio hopes that Rabeh Al-Hussaini can finally be a contributor both on offense and defense.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/talk-n-text-shoots-for-philippine-cup-lead-vs-air-21-meralco-globalport-tussle

Small but terrible Mark Cruz stands tall, brings home the ‘suka’ for the Letran Knights

Mia Rengie Angela Domingo, InterAKTV · Wednesday, October 17, 2012 · 12:51 am

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Standing just 5-foot-5 and built reed thin, Mark Cruz doesn’t look like he belongs in the basketball court. “Mukha lang siyang nautusang bumili ng suka,” as oldtimers say.
But the second-year Letran point guard, the smallest man on the court during the Knights’ NCAA Season 88 semifinal series against San Sebastian, often stood tall. He erupted for 20 huge points in their 92-74 win over the Stags last Saturday, before carrying the slack for Letran star Kevin Alas in their 73-70 victory to clinch the semis series last Monday.
Even Cruz, the brother of GlobalPort point guard Marvin, is aware that his small statue can be fodder for doubters. “Toyo naman ang binili ko ngayon,” Cruz told InterAKTV in jest shortly after his second explosion against the Stags.
Turning serious, the 20-year-old spitfire said the Knights’ preparation care of coach Louie Alas was the key.
“Nag-focus lang kami sa desire to win at pumasok sa finals. Sobrang pi-nu-push kami ni Coach every practice, day in and day out. Sobra-sobrang push kaya naging ganito kami ka-tough.”
Marvin is a proud sibling, often giving him words of inspiration. “Lagi nya ako ginu-good luck and keep it up daw.”
In the finals against San Beda, Cruz is expected to face a tougher challenge, with the guard trio of Melo Lim, Baser Amer, and Ryusei Koge expected to pounce on him.
Cruz, however, is undeterred.
“Sobrang gustong gusto namin makapunta sa finals. Bliness kami ni God.”

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/small-but-terrible-mark-cruz-stands-tall-brings-home-the-suka-for-the-letran-knights