PBA 'Sister Act' in Cebu: Meralco, Talk 'N Txt clash in Philippine Cup season-opener

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano hoop fans are set to witness another swashbuckling hardcourt showdown as sister teams Meralco Bolts and Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters face each other in the simultaneous opening salvo of the PBA Philippine Cup on November 17 at the Cebu Coliseum.

“This is part of the three simultaneous PBA games that will be played in different venues during the opening of the Philippine Cup,” said Juvy Brigoli, one of the organizers. “Aside from Cebu, another game will be held in Panabo in Davao and one in Manila.”

It's surely an event to look forward to as the two teams have bolstered their respective rosters after a three-team trade that also involves Air21 Express recently.

Meralco, semifinalist during the Governor’s Cup, adds heft and height to its lineup after acquiring Rabeh Al-Hussaini from TnT and veteran Nelbert Omolon from Air21.

The move is seen to fortify Meralco's bid of a first finals appearance as they also got the services of the explosive Gary  David.

David landed in Meralco along with rookie AJ Mandani from Global Port Batang Pier in exchange for pointguards Chris Ross and Chris Timberlake.

The Tropang Texters, on the other hand, hope to make amends from a disappointing performance during the previous conference where they finished last in the standings with a 3-6 win-loss record.               

With four of their Gilas Pilipinas members in Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier at the helm, the Tropang Texters are primed and ready to shoot for their six PBA title and second Philippine Cup trophy.

The Tropang Texters will also parade their newly-acquired cagers in former top rookie pick Noy Baclao, Eric Salamat and Fil-American forward Rob Reyes. (FREEMAN)