TEXTERS HOPING TO CLOSE IN ON LEADERS

Ranidel de Ocampo has come back, and Jayson Castro is returning any moment.

Castro may suit up as Talk n Text clashes with NLEX, seeking a share of second place with idle Alaska in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Tuesday.

“He’s wait and see,” said Talk n Text coach Jong Uichico, hoping though that it’s sooner than later.

Uichico said it would help a lot if Castro gets back in action against NLEX.

“They’re losing and winning close games. They’re dangerous,” said Uichico of the Road Warriors.

True enough, NLEX’s all four previous games were all close. The Road Warriors lost to the Barako Bull Energy (96-101), the Star Hotshots (85-89) and the Carnival (82-85) and won over the Meralco Bolts (91-84).

And with a 1-3 win-loss record, the Road Warriors are likely to come out with a sense of urgency to win.

The Texters, on the other hand, are at 2-1 with victories over the Barangay Ginebra Kings (95-91) and the Alaska Aces (104-103) and a loss to the Barako Bull Energy (87-100).

Uichico insists they’re just lucky to be where they are right now, saying their close shaves versus the Gin Kings and the Aces could have gone either way.

De Ocampo was a big help in his comeback against Alaska.

The national mainstay brought with him his spunk, savvy and leadership as Talk n Text pulled off the pulsating one-point win over Alaska.

Steffphon Pettigrew came through with game-highs of 27 points and 16 rebounds, and De Ocampo helped a lot with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and his mere presence that lifted the morale and spirit of his teammates.

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez is hoping their acquisition of John Wilson provides them a boost.

Wilson moved over to NLEX in a trade deal involving Meralco and GlobalPort. The Bolts tabbed Kelly Nabong while the Batang Pier got a future NLEX draft pick. (SB)

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