TALK ‘N TEXT BEATS ALASKA IN OT ANEW
After the 105-91 rout at the hands of Petron Blaze a week ago to end the year, Talk ‘N Text was a team on a mission to get itself back on track. And it did just that with a 121-117 overtime win over the Alaska Aces in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“It was a tough win, a good win, and a much-needed win for us,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black. “It helps us get momentum for our next game versus Air21, and helps us recover from that demoralizing loss to Petron.”
Ranidel de Ocampo nailed a timely three-pointer with 25.1 ticks to go to save the Tropang Texters in overtime, as the ball bounced off the front iron first before going down the basket.
“Nung tinira ko, alam ko pasok,” said de Ocampo. “Pero nung tumama sa ring at nag-bounce, medyo na-excite ako. Alam kong kaya pa, kaya nung na-shoot, tuwang-tuwa ako.”
Six players chimed in double-digits for Talk ‘N Text led by Kelly Williams, who had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
“There are a lot of heroes tonight. But I have to mention Kelly Williams because he had his best game of the conference,” said Black. “He’s the player who gave us a lot of energy and gave us a big lift, giving us a chance to win the basketball game. So hats off to Kelly.”
The 2008 league MVP however said he’s still just warming up.
“I’m not yet 100 percent but I’m getting there,” said Williams. “I’ve been hard on myself this whole conference, but coach always reminded me to be patient. Nobody takes seven months off and comes back 100 percent.”
Ryan Reyes, who drilled the go-ahead trey from the top of the arc with 53.6 seconds remaining, added 17 markers, while de Ocampo finished with 16 points.
Jayson Castro tallied a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists, while Larry Fonacier had 14, and Sean Anthony chipped in 13 for the three-time defending champions who also defeated Alaska in overtime 114-111 in their first meeting last Nov. 28 in the same venue.
“My feeling right now is to try to win as many games as we can and get momentum going in playoffs,” Black said. “If we’re lucky to get the twice-to-beat, so be it. But if not, at least we got more confidence down the stretch. It’s where it comes down to, getting confidence at the right time of the year, at the right time of the conference.”
Sonny Thoss sent the game into overtime with an open basket down low with 1.3 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 108, but could only score two points in overtime. The Alaska center, who finished with a career-high 30 points which came with 12 boards, had a basket with 12.5 ticks remaining as the Aces threatened for the last time at 117-119.
But Jimmy Alapag stretched his conference free throw streak to 27 without a miss, knocking in two with 11.5 ticks left to peg the final score.
RJ Jazul and Gabby Espinas had 18 points apiece, while Cyrus Baguio had 17 for the Aces. (RL)
The scores:
TALK ‘N TEXT 121 – Williams 18, R. Reyes 17, de Ocampo 16, Castro 16, Fonacier 14, Anthony 13, Seigle 9, Carey 8, Alapag 5, J. Reyes 3, Baclao 2.
ALASKA 117 – Thoss 30, Jazul 18, Espinas 18, Baguio 17, Casio 11, Abueva 9, Ramos 7, Exciminiano 3, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Hontiveros 0.
Quarterscores: 26-26, 48-40, 83-80, 108-108, 121-118.
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