TALK ‘N Text continued to flash its old fiery form to frustrate Air21, 87-82, and keep in step with the leaders of the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas Pilipinas standouts Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Larry Fonacier produced as expected for the Tropang Texters, who also drew solid numbers from back-up guard Jai Reyes on the way to their sixth victory in eight games.
Three of those wins came within this week where the Texters also turned back Rain or Shine, 90-87, last Tuesday and Barako Bull, 87-80, Friday.
“It’s a good thing we survived our hell week,” Texters coach Norman Black said of his team’s scheduled three games in six days. ““I was really concerned of our ability to finish and win the three games, but luckily we got through it.”
The Texters solidified their position at third place behind top guns Ginebra and Petron. They also added to the misery of the Express, who remained in the bottom of the standings with an eighth loss in nine games
Proving why he is one of Asia’s top guards, Castro pumped in 21 points, six boards, four assists, and two steals, while De Ocampo, who’s free from injury for a while now, was on target with four triples that anchored his 18-point output.
“It’s nice to see Ranidel back to his form again, making his outside shots,” Black said. “And Jayson also gave us lot of leadership and production today.”
Black was also pleased with the performance of Fonacier, the sharpshooter who finished with an unlikely double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Reyes, who tallied 15 markers, three assists, and three steals.
The scores:
TALK N TEXT (87) – Castro 21, De Ocampo 18, Reyes 15, Fonacier 13, Carey 6, Seigle 5, Aban 5, Baclao 4, Williams 0, Anthony 0, Poligrates 0.
AIR21 (82) – Taulava 23, Yeo 13, Canaleta 13, Camson 8, Cardona 8, Manuel 6, Custodio 4, Jaime 3, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Burstcher 1, Arboleda 0, Ritualo 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18; 48-37; 67-57; 87-82.
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