HOWELL-LED TALK ‘N TEXT GRABS SHARE OF LEAD

The real Richard Howell finally showed up.

The reigning Commissioner’s Cup Best Import led Talk ‘N Text to a share of the lead by turning back Blackwater 88-78 Sunday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.

Howell, who only had 13 points and 12 rebounds in his team’s 89-86 win over Rain or Shine last Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome, came alive in the fourth period where he scored 19 of his 29 points against the Elite while adding 21 rebounds and five assists to push Talk ‘N Text atop the leaderboard alongside Meralco with their identical 2-0 slates.

Jayson Castro added 22 markers for the Tropang Texters who handed the Elite their second straight defeat in the conference and 13th loss in as many games since entering the league at the start of the season.

Howell captained a 13-0 tear in the fourth, turning a 71-all deadlock to an 84-71 advantage in just two minutes and a deficit which proved to be too much for Blackwater in the end.

Bryan Faundo led the Elite with 19 points while Marcus Douthit, who replaced the injured Christien Charles, chimed in 14 in his first game for Blackwater. (RL)

The scores:

TALK ‘N TEXT 88 – Howell 29, Castro 22, Washington 8, Alas 8, Miller 8, De Ocampo 7, Carey 2, Williams 2, Aban 2, Labagala 0, Fonacier 0, Espiritu 0, Reyes 0.

BLACKWATER 78 – Faundo 19, Douthit 14, Acuna 12, Heruela 10, Celiz 7, Timberlake 5, Gamalinda 5, Reyes 4, Erram 2, Austria 0, Laure 0, Ballesteros 0, Bulawan 0, Ciriacruz 0.

Quarterscores: 19-17, 41-39, 60-66, 88-78.

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