TALK ‘N TEXT GRABS SOLO LEAD AS HARRIS RETURNS
Inspired by the return of a reinforcement that led the team to its last championship in an import-laced conference, Talk ‘N Text routed GlobalPort 97-82 to grab the solo lead in the PLDT TVolution Governors Cup Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Paul Harris, who steered the Tropang Texters to the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup title, led the team right in his first game since replacing Rodney Carney, finishing with 37 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and one steal while shooting 6-of-8 from three-point range as TNT won its fourth straight game to improve to a league-best 5-1 win-loss slate.
The win also formalized the Tropang Texters place in the 8-team quarterfinals while enhancing their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the said first round of the playoffs.
The former Syracuse standout presided over 14-4 run by Talk ‘N Text in the third quarter which turned a 47-42 deficit into a 56-51 edge.
Harris was once again at the forefront of a 13-6 run at the start of the payoff period as the Tropang Texters went on to lead by as much as 95-80 in the game where only two other TNT players scored in double figures.
Jayson Castro had 14 off the bench while Ranidel de Ocampo tallied 13.
GlobalPort, which was by the 22 points, 10 rebounds and two assists of Dior Lowhorn, fell to its fourth straight defeat and slid further down the standings with its 1-5 slate.
The scores: (Click HERE for full boxscores)
TALK N’ TEXT 97 – Harris 37, Castro 14, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 7, Reyes Ryan 7, Alapag 5, Williams 4, Canaleta 4, Seigle 2, Reyes Jai 2, Baclao 2, Aban 0, Carey 0.
GLOBALPORT 82 – Lowhorn 22, Cabagnot 17, Menk 11, Yee 8, Romeo 8, Buenafe 5, Lingganay 4, Hayes 3, Ponferada 2, Macapagal 2, Salvador 0, Acuna 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 41-39, 69-63, 97-82
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