The Tropang Texters drew first blood against San Miguel Beer with a 91-82 triumph in Game 1 Saturday night to grab a head-start in their best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup title showdown.

Reyes indicated that a 1-0 lead is just an edge and it is nothing for him until his squad finishes the job.

‘’All it means is a one-zero lead,’’ stressed Reyes, who thinks that the series can potentially be a long one. ‘’The series is far from over. We’re prepared to play as many games necessary.’’

Despite their Game 1 victory, the Texters did not celebrate as they were instead mourning with teammate Ryan Reyes, whose younger brother Allan Raymond died in the States due to a accident last Wednesday.

Reyes, however, still showcased a courageous performance dedicated to his late brother by registering 13 points, four rebounds and four assists to help his Texters seize the game in a decisive fourth-quarter surge.

“Iyak ng iyak ‘yan (Reyes) on our way here (Negros). But he still dished out a solid game and what he showed is so inspiring,” said Reyes of his gutsy starting guard. ‘’My players never cease to amaze me and Ryan Reyes is the latest. Nakakabilib siya. It’s an honor to coach him.’’

Reportedly, Reyes is still set to play in Game 2 on Wednesday before flying to the States to attend to his brother’s wake. He will most likely miss Game 3 on Friday for the funeral.

On the other hand, San Miguel Beer head coach Ato Agustin admitted that his Beermen kind of lost their way in the pivotal fourth period causing them to drop the game.

“Nagkatalo sa fourth quarter. We lost our poise and composure,” said Agustin.

Meanwhile, with the pending leave of absence of Barako Bull from the league, the wish of Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team to be a guest team in the second conference might be granted.

Along with their willingness to temporary leave the league, the Energy Boosters are eager to offer their spot to the National Five in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup.

Team owner George Chua sent a letter to the commissioner’s office stating a leave of absence and requesting the league to grant Smart Gilas’ request to take their place and use the import-laden tourney as training ground for its campaign in the FIBA-Asia championship in Wuhan, China late this year.

“We strongly support giving Smart Gilas the opportunity to participate in the upcoming conference,” said Chua in his letter to Commissioner Chito Salud.

“It will surely provide renewed and more exciting interest from the viewing public through its competitive impact which is mutually beneficial to Smart Gilas and the PBA. It’s indeed a great sacrifice for us to come up with this offer,” Chua added.

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today