TALK N TEXT CLAIMS GAME 1
Talk n Text coach Norman Black couldn’t believe what he saw as he went through the stats sheet.
“I hope I’m blind,” said Black, shocked in seeing the woeful numbers of import Jerome Jordan.
Jordan was virtually absent but Talk n Text’s ace locals all stepped up and held the fort as the Tropang Texters repulsed the Petron Blaze Boosters, 100-93, in the opener of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinals showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
Ranidel de Ocampo, Ryan Reyes, Larry Fonacier, Jayson Castro and Ali Peek all put in double-digit outputs as the Texters overcame Jordan’s measly 11-point and five-rebound game, moving to within seventh straight Final Four appearance.
“We’re fortunate in this game our locals carried the load for us,” said Black.
“Our second team stepped up. The combination of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Ali Peek supplied the points in a key stretch and that’s the big difference in this game,” Black added. “But Jerome has to play better. We can’t expect the locals to always carry the load for the team.”
Al-Hussaini and Peek deserved Black’s commendation as they led a decisive attack that gave the Texters key opening, 89-76, in the well-fought match.
The Texters were ahead by just one, 72-71, before unleashing a 17-5 run in the fourth quarter.
The Boosters mounted a rally at endgame but a clutch play by De Ocampo and Reyes settled the outcome of the game at 98-90.
Talk n Text stopped the momentum of Petron’s endgame siege as De Ocampo stole off Henry Sims then set up Reyes for a three-pointer.
De Ocampo top scored with 22 points while Reyes added 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Sims piled up 22 points and 21 rebounds as he led Petron’s fight, dragging Talk n Text through 12 deadlocks and 14 lead changes.
Sims had got double-double numbers with 13 points and 10 rebounds while De Ocampo had tallied 18 markers as the two teams fought to a 41-all deadlock in the first half.
Petron controlled the boards, 28-18, but Talk n Text had a better clip in the first 24 minutes of play marked by seven ties and eight lead changes.
“We still have a huge problem in rebounding. We’re killed on the boards. We’re really lucky the locals stepped up and supplied the points,” said Black.
“It’s nice to see Larry (Fonacier) hit some shots. He’s been struggling,” Black also said. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
