Texters rough up Giles

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas and Talk n Text figured in a highly physical game leading to an incident that saw the Tropang Texters gang up on CJ Giles in their abbreviated tune-up match at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside Ateneo Friday.

More intense, exciting action is expected when Smart Gilas takes on Powerade Team Pilipinas in the main game of a charity event at the Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Giles and Ranidel de Ocampo figured in a scuffle that marred the Smart Gilas-Talk n Text game with the two players set to meet again as the RP developmental pool and Powerade RP clash in the 7:15 p.m. match of the charity event organized by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the benefit of victims of typhoon Ondoy.

It’s just an exhibition match but both teams are likely to play with a lot of pride and passion.

That’s what happened in the Smart Gilas-Talk n Text duel where both teams took the game seriously with emotions flaring up, leading a fight following a hard collision between De Ocampo and Giles with Gilas on top, 53-43. The Tropang Texters came to the aid of De Ocampo, sending the American player down on the floor.

“He’s (Giles) the one who started it all. He’s hurting the Talk n Text players,” said a witness in the incident.

Giles and Japeth Aguilar lead Smart Gilas’ intimidating frontline force. Against Powerade-RP, they will be up against De Ocampo, Sonny Thoss, Kerby Raymundo and new addition JayR Reyes. Asi Taulava is a doubtful starter with an injury.

Powerade-RP is short-handed as it will also play minus Arwind Santos, Mick Pennisi, Ryan Reyes, Kelly Williams and even Jayjay Helterbrand. Coach Yeng Guiao, however, remains confident they can neutralize Giles and the entire Smart-Gilas squad.

“Kaya yan (We can do it),” said Guiao before gathering his team for their lone practice at The Arena in San Juan yesterday afternoon.

Listed on both lineups, Aguilar is likely to opt to play with Smart Gilas.

A selection from the UAAP and the NCAA goes up against its counterpart from Liga Pilipinas and the PBL in the 5 p.m. game of the twinbill aimed at raising funds for the calamity victims.

Even before tip-off, the organizers have raised P1.6 million. Pagcor Sports put in P200,000 while Toyota Iloilo’s Robert Uy offered P100,000 in addition to the P1.3 funds donated earlier by businessmen-sportsmen Mikee Romero and Manny V. Pangilinan and the sponsoring Smart Sports.

Nike Philippines and Islander also donated some goods.

Tickets are priced at P200 for Patron, P100 for Lower Box and P50 for Upper A. Those who bring footwear for the typhoon victims can get in to the Upper B and General Admissions sections for free.

Winner of the second game gets the Tony Chua trophy, named in honor of the former PBA chairman who was among those who perished in the wake of the typhoon’s devastation.