Talk ‘N Text remains unbeaten in Philippine Cup

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters pulled out a thrilling 80-77 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Saturday in Victorias City, Negros Occidental to remain undefeated in the Philippine Cup.

Talk ‘N Text had to go through the eye of the needle to pull out its sixth win in as many games. Rain or Shine, which saw its three-game winning run end, suffered just its second loss against four wins.

Larry Fonacier posted 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, leading the Tropang Texters rally from a 13-point deficit early in the second half.

“We played a good defense on Jeff Chan,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black. The Rain or Shine sharpshooter was hounded to just four points after coming into the game averaging better than 23 per game.

“But we missed a lot of free throws. If we made our free throws, we could have won by a big margin,” added Black.

Rain or Shine looked poised to run away with the game after taking 53-40 advantage in the third quarter, before Talk ‘N Text steadily clawed back.

The Tropang Texters tied the game, 71-all, with six minutes left, before Jimmy Alapag, who led all scorers with 15 points, hit the go-ahead three-pointer a couple of plays later to give them a 74-73 advantage. Fonacier hit a runner to give the Tropang Texters more breathing space, 76-73, heading into the homestretch.

Talk ‘N Text was still leading, 78-74, before Jeff Chan and TY Tang combined for three quick points to tow Rain or Shine to within one point. After a defensive stop, Gabe Norwood couldn’t convert for the Elasto Painters, who sent Ranidel De Ocampo to the line for two free throws.

Down by three points, Rain or Shine tried to find Chan in the ensuing possession, but Tang could not find the open passing lane, instead back-rimming a three-pointer.

Talk ‘N Text left the door open for the Elasto Painters after two missed free throws by Fonacier. But a final attempt by JR Quinahan clanged harmlessly off the rim at the buzzer, preserving the victory for Talk ‘N Text.

The scores:

TALK N’ TEXT 80 – Alapag 15, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 12, Peek 11, Reyes 7, Williams 7, Dillinger 6, Raymundo 5, Carey 2, Ferriols 2, Gamalinda 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 77 – Cruz 14, Rodriguez 13, Ibanes 9, Quinahan 9, Belga 8, Matias 7, Norwood 7, Tang 6, Chan 4, Arana 0.

Quarters: 19-22, 42-38, 63-67, 80-77
-InterAKTV