Unbeaten TnT tests B-Meg new import

DUBAI – Unbeaten Talk n Text came in early to acclimatize and steel themselves for a two-game run beginning today in a showdown with a B-Meg squad still reeling from a long 13-hour travel but fired-up with the entry of a new import.

The two teams clash at 7 p.m. at the Al Shabab Sports Club, kicking off the PBA Governors Cup two-game Dubai swing – the league’s sixth official sortie abroad after forays in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and its first visit here 2007.

The grand slam-seeking Talk n Text is featured in back-to-back games, facing Barangay Ginebra Friday.

The TnT-Ginebra setto is set also at 7 p.m. in the same venue tomorrow. The Kings were to fly in from Manila last night.

The Texters left ahead of the PBA entourage Monday to have enough time to build up stamina for the Dubai grind.

They also had a feel of the playing court after light workouts Tuesday and yesterday.

“We’re playing back-to-back games after an out-of-town game in Digos, Davao del Sur Saturday. Certainly, it’s not easy,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

The Llamados, meanwhile, fought off the rigors of their long trip from Manila via Bahrain as they tuned up for the match in their workout.

“Naisahan kami ng Talk n Text (Talk n Text pulled one over us),” said a B-Meg stalwart.

The Llamados’ new import, Darnell Hinson, is raring to get going.

“Fresh from Puerto Rico, he’s practically back in his time frame, and that’s good for us,” said B-Meg coach Jorge Gallent of his import who had virtually travelled half of the globe the last four days.

He journeyed from Puerto Rico to the United States to Japan then to Manila to attend a practice with B-Meg. The following day, he’s off with the Llamados for this Middle East encounter.

“He looks well in good shape. Hopefully, he can show it in the game,” said Gallent.

“He has a good shooting stroke. He really looks a lot better than Stefhon (Hannah),” said B-Meg top local James Yap.

The Llamados hope to sustain the momentum of their win over the Meralco Bolts Sunday to break free from a four-way logjam at fourth place with the Bolts, the Petron Boosters and the Gin Kings.

The Texters are the lone remaining unbeaten team in the tourney, out to sweep their assignments here to secure a berth in the semifinals.

“It’s a tough challenge but a good one,” said Talk n Text chief playmaker Jimmy Alapag.