TALK N TEXT SECURES NO. 1 SEED
Talk n Text definitely took to heart a lesson learned in the last conference.
Beaten in a best-of-three quarterfinals showdown in the PBA Philippine Cup, the Tropang Texters won’t allow themselves to be back in that precarious position in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The target: A Top Two finish in the eliminations for the crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
With plenty of games left in the Commissioner’s Cup elims, Talk n Text achieved the goal as the Texters stretched their amazing unbeaten run to seven games on an 81-75 whipping of the back-to-back champs San Mig Super Coffee Mixers Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a decisive victory assuring Talk n Text playoffs top seeding even if it loses its last two games versus Rain or Shine and GlobalPort.
“We’re here where we wanted to be. The only thing is that it’s too early. Now is the hard part. We have to continue the momentum going as we go to the next round,” said TnT coach Norman Black.
Black said he’s also worried about the coming PBA All-Star Game where five Texters are taking part.
“Last year, we’re in the semis and Jimmy (Alapag) tore a muscle in Davao (del Sur),” said Black.
“We have to keep practicing. We have to make sure to keep the guys healthy and sharp,” Black added.
Talk n Text stayed mean and sharp coming from a week-long break, spilling San Mig Coffee largely behind an overpowering second quarter.
The Texters sat on a 44-26 halftime cushion after overwhelming the Mixers, 25-11, in the second period. And there was no stopping Richard Howell and his teammates on the way to victory No. 7.
The Mixers threatened to come back in the fourth quarter, but Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier and Howell made timely baskets to repel the challenge.
Howell scored eight of his 25 points in the payoff period and also came through with 21 rebounds to log yet another solid 20-20 performance.
Ranidel de Ocampo and Castro added 13 points apiece while the rest had their contribution on TnT’s superb team defense.
“Going to the game, I was really thinking the only way to beat San Mig Coffee is to play good defense,” said Black.
Talk n Text imposed its will right away, holding the San Mig locals to 10 points in the first half.
James May got away with 16 markers but no other SMC player scored more than three.
PJ Simon hit his stride later and became the latest member of the league’s 5,000-point club. (SB)
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