ANTIPOLO CITY - Talk ‘N Text’s unforgiving defense and impeccable outside shooting overwhelmed Barako Bull, 105-76, to advance to the next phase of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Friday at the Ynares Center.
Rookies Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas Rosser as well as veteran big man Rob Reyes sparked a second-quarter breakaway that enabled the Tropang Texters to open a 47-32 lead at halftime.
The Tropang Texters continued their torrid shooting in the second half, with Larry Fonacier, Danny Seigle and Alas firing from various angles to finish off the Energy.
“Minsan, nasa mentality naman ng players iyan. Eh sa umpisa nag-relax, medyo mababa lang ang energy sa first quarter, though we picked up the energy in the second quarter,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico after the game.
The Energy looked too demoralized to put up a fight after a flurry of deals saw them lose Jeric Fortuna and Mick Pennisi to San Miguel Beer and Purefoods, respectively, and nearly lose Denok Miranda in another trade.
Without Pennisi’s veteran leadership, the Energy appeared lost against a well-organized Tropang Texters, who shot 51 percent from the field.
In contrast, Barako Bull was held down to just 33 percent shooting (30-of-92).
Talk ‘N Text, which faces the winner of the Barangay Ginebra-GlobalPort duel in a one-game knockout match, collected 19 points from Ganuelas-Rosser.
Alas and Jayson Castro chipped in 14 points apiece, while Reyes finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds.
JC Intal and Willy Wilson led the Energy with 16 and 15 points, respectively, but they failed to get anything from Miranda and RR Garcia, the team’s two leading scorers who could only combine for 6-of-24 shooting from the field overall.
Miranda finished the game with nine points, while Garcia only had four.
The scores:
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