MANILA, 1 February 2005 — True to Talk N’ Text’s pre-game announcement, the 6-foot-9 Asi Taulava showed up wearing his No. 88 jersey, played and the Phone Pals claimed a 89-71 victory over Barangay Ginebra Kings in Game 1 of the Gran Matador-PBA Philippine Cup Finals Sunday night.

Taulava, who has missed the team’s last 19 games since being suspended by the league last October, showed up with a close-cropped hair and his familiar headband. Among the TNT starters, he received the biggest applause from team supporters, some of whom displayed placards bearing the message “Welcome Back.” The pro- Ginebra crowd, however, met him with jeers.

The result though remains unofficial.

Early Sunday, Ginebra officials informed me that win or lose, they will place the game under protest, PBA Commissioner Noli Eala told sports scribes in a hastily called press conference before the game.

Eala said he will rule on the protest at the soonest possible time.

What was anticipated to be a classic duel between the top two teams of the eliminations has shifted to a heated legal tussle in the wake of TNT’s decision to play Taulava.

The 6-foot-9 center, along with five other Fil-foreign players, was suspended by Eala after the Justice Department withdrew his Confirmation of Citizenship based on a probe it conducted.

But on Wednesday, a Quezon City Regional Trial Court judge granted Taulava, who claimed to be a Fil-Tongan, a writ of preliminary injunction ordering the PBA to reinstate the TNT star center. The PBA has filed a motion for reconsideration and a hearing on the issue has been set for Tuesday.

Game Two of the best-of-seven series is set for tomorrow also at the Big Dome.

With the luxury of a six-day break, the Phone Pals marched into Game 1 looking fresh and fully energized. They controlled the game early and broke the game apart in the third quarter with little help from Taulava.

In his first game since serving the suspension last Oct. 19, 2004, Taulava appeared to have lost weight and was visibly out of form.

Jimmy Alapag scored 19 points and Willie Miller added 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Phone Pals.

Ginebra starting guard Jajyjay Helterbrand showed up in crutches, his left leg heavily wrapped in cast. To make matters worse for the Kings, big men Romel Adducul and Andy Seigle got into foul trouble early. Perhaps out of desperation, Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen blew his top and cursed the referees on a non-call midway in the third quarter and drew a technical.

In the press conference, Eala said “we will not do anything physical to restrain Asi from playing today, but as far as commissioner’s office is concerned, a suspended player may not suit up, sit on the bench or play for the team. It’s a violation that will be dealt with.” He said sanctions will come in the form of penalties or forfeiture of TV rights.

Eala said the moment Taulava steps on the hardcourt in a Talk N Text uniform, the opener of the championship series would be rendered unofficial. In effect, the Philippine Cup champion may not be decided on the playing court, but on the table by the PBA board.

Under PBA rules, if an ineligible player suits up and is eventually fielded in, the game will automatically be nullified. Eala could either replay the match or forfeit the game altogether.

Eala also said a hearing is set tomorrow on the league’s petition for a reconsideration bidding to overturn a Quezon City court ruling ordering the pro league to lift Taulava’s suspension.

“We want a quick resolution that’s why we set the hearing for Tuesday,” said Eala.

Eala, who assumed the post of commissioner last year, bared he got a phone call from an emissary the other day asking him to allow Taulava to play in Game 1.

“Somebody just asked me to relay to you this message: Can you make sure Asi (Taulava) plays tomorrow (yesterday),”’ Eala quoted the messenger as saying. He refused to identify or say whether he knows the messenger.

Aside from this, Eala’s family also received an unsigned letter urging him not to prevent Taulava from suiting up for the Phone Pals.

“I denounce this kind of move and I will not cave in to the pressure. I hope this will stop,” said Eala.

Eala said he is thinking long and hard if he would continue doing his functions as the top honcho of the first play-for-pay league in Asia because he believes the controversy now threatens the safety of his family.

“It is a concern. I lost a couple of hours of sleep and I’m seriously considering quitting the job,” said Eala, adding: “It is not part of the job description.”

Meanwhile, the initial lineup of the RP men’s team composed of PBA stars is expected to be known within the week when head coach Chot Reyes returns from a scouting trip of the South Korea and Chinese teams.

All 40 players invited by Reyes to compose the national pool will undergo several scrimmages. After that, Reyes is expected to name the 12 members of the national team.

The scores:

First game:

San Miguel 105 - Belasco 19, Hontiveros 18, Racela 17, Pena 13, Seigle 10, Villoria 8, Canlas 8, Gahol 5, Gamboa 4, Mente 3, Singson 0.

Shell 100 - dela Cruz 24, Ferreria 14, Tubid 13, Calaguio 12, Mamaril 11, Yap 7, Alvarez 6, Sotto 5, Jackson 3, Cruz 2, Sta. Maria 2, Bajar 1.

Quarters: 22-19, 45-45, 73-74, 105-100.

Second game:

Talk n Text 89 - Alapag 19, Miller 14, de Ocampo 13, Telan 10, Pablo 9, Gelig 8, Taulava 6, Belano 5, Camaso 3, Ravena 2.

Ginebra 71 - Menk 23, Santos 11, Salvacion 10, Caguioa 10, Adducul 8, Seigle 6, Valenzuela 3, Dimaunahan 0, Wallkvist 0, Noble 0, Ballesteros 0.

Quarters: 24-19, 46-37, 68-53, 89-71.