Talk N Text Tropang Texters

The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos got the better of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 99-95, to come away with an even slate against the PBA squad in the conclusion of their two-game exhibition series yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.

Seemingly more focused and intent on getting back at the Texters, which handed them a 79-87 loss last Monday, the Ninos rode the game-long brilliance of import Jason Forte along with the inspired efforts of local gunners Stephen Padilla and Woodrow Enriquez to down the multi-titled Chot Reyes-mentored PBA team.

Forte, who struggled in the first half of their game last Monday, started off early as he scored 17 of his 29 points in the first half, including eight in the second canto where he combined with Enriquez to overhaul an 18-21 deficit, and take a 47-42 halftime lead.

The Texters, who are preparing for the upcoming battles in the PBA Fiesta Conference, retaliated with an 8-2 salvo at the start of the third period to take a 50-49 lead behind the baskets of Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey and Jason Castro. The two teams battled to a standstill and were tied at 67-all, heading into the penultimate period.

The two squads went at it as the lead went back and forth until the Ninos gained their second wind and went on a brief 6-1 rally that put them ahead, 83-78. A shot clock-beating jumper by Padilla, a putback by Mark Ababon and a fastbreak lay-in by Padilla then erected the biggest lead of the ballgame at 10, 94-84, with 1:17 left in the game.

The Texters went on a last-ditch effort to get back into the game as they sliced the lead down to four, 92-96, but that was the closest they would come to as the Ninos held on to the lead as time expired.

The Texters were led by the 16 points of Carey, the 14 of Alapag and the 13 points each made by Mark Yee and de Ocampo.

Up next for the Ninos will be a two-game tiff against the 2010 PBA Philippine Cup finalist Alaska Aces starting this Friday at the University of San Carlos Gym. The game on Saturday will be held in Bogo.

Talk 'N Text, looking for a solid inside presence, is bringing in European League veteran Eric Hicks as its reinforcement in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference, which opens on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Hicks is a former University of Cincinatti standout who saw action for the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics in the NBA Summer League.

The 6-foot-6, 240-lb. Hicks is described by United States scouts as an explosive and athletic swingman in a big man’s body. He was a member of the 2007 Telindus BC Oostende team that won the championship in the Belgian League.

Hicks was also the top shot blocker with two per game and fourth in rebounding with an average of 7.5 per outing in the 2007-08 Polish League.

While the other teams have already chosen their import, Coca-Cola has yet to name its reinforcement that would lead the Tigers’ campaign in the Fiesta Cup.

The Tigers allowed Jason Forte, brother of former Boston Celtics and Seattle Supersonics guard Joseph Forte, to try out for them but decided to get old reliable James Penny.

Coca-Cola, however, remained without an import after Penny, who was supposed to join the Tigers in a recent trip to Dubai, decided to look into other offers from him in another league.

Other teams that already have an import are Air21 (Leroy Hickerson), Alaska (Diamon Simpson), San Miguel (Gabe Freeman), Rain or Shine (Jai Lewis), Ginebra (Awvee Storey) and Sta. Lucia (Anthony Johnson).

Barako Bull and Purefoods are the other squads that have yet to name its reinforcement. – GMANews.TV

TAKING a tough stand against teams walking out of the game, the Philippine Basketball Association decided to raise the penalty from P500,000 to P5 million.

A board member, who requested anonymity told Standard Today that the decision to raise the fine got overwhelming response from the board officials. This is also the first time in 20 years that the league is revising the penalty for teams walking out.

"Hindi na siguro masama na i-raise natin 'yung fine from P500,000 to P5 million dahil nakailang baba and taas na 'yung value ng pera natin and it has been 20 years. The league was still using the old penalty scheme," said the board member.

In the history of the league, only three teams walked out of their games – Ginebra during the 1990 First Conference, Red Bull in the 2006 Fiesta Conference and Talk N Text during the recent Philippine Cup. Of the three, the Tropang Texters received the biggest fine of P1.2 million.

The board also approved the lifting of trade restrictions between Air21 and Talk N Text.

Last season, the Lina Group of Companies decided to carry the name Burger King, a quick-service restaurant company where Talk N Text officials Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas also have shares in its ownership.

Because of their investments in one of the companies of the Lina Group, Burger King and Talk N Text were considered as sister teams, but Air21 team manager Lito Alvarez volunteered then that they won't trade directly with the Tropang Texters to avoid any conflict.

But with the Lina franchise reverting to its old Air21 name, Alvarez asked for the consensus of the board members to allow them to trade directly to Talk N Text since the new banner the team is carrying is solely owned by the Lina Group. The board agreed to lift the trade restrictions, but implemented new clauses.

"Air21 cannot go back using Burger King, at least for the next two years," said one board member.

With the trade restrictions now being lifted, Air21 and Talk N Text consummated a trade that has been pending for several days. The Express took back to their fold 6'9" center Yancy de Ocampo and deadshot Ren Ren Ritualo from the Tropang Texters in exchange for Mark Yee, JR Quinahan and Aaron Aban. It will be the third time in eight years De Ocampo will be playing for the Express, while Ritualo will also have a reunion of sorts with the team that made him a first-round pick in 2003. - www.manilastandardtoday.com