TNT FORCES KO MATCH
Talk n Text clipped San Mig Super Coffee in overtime, 84-81, to forge a Game 5 in their PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
“We did what we had to do, and it’s just to fight another day. And now, it all comes down to Friday,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black.
The win leveled the series, 2-2, with Talk ‘N Text riding the momentum to Game 5 after two successive victories.
Paul Harris led the Tropa with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Jayson Castro added 11 markers.
Larry Fonacier was also valuable in the end game, scoring eight of his 11 markers in the fourth and overtime periods, as Ranidel de Ocampo got nine points and 12 boards.
“I think more than anything else, my guys gutted it out today. We didn’t play that well offensively, but our defense was pretty sound. We were able to mix up our defenses with man and zone, which in some ways, didn’t work because they hit a lot of three-pointers, but at the same time, we cut down a little bit of their inside game,” Black said. “Right now it’s all about who has something left in the tank going into Friday’s game and who’s gonna come out and gut it out on Friday.”
It was a see-saw battle which saw both teams trade the lead for the majority of the game.
Castro hit a three-pointer from the right wing with 1:24 to go, which shot TNT up, 74-70, but San Mig battled back, first with a Marqus Blakely basket off of a steal with 56 ticks to play, and with a buzzer-beating James Yap floater to send the game to extra time.
The Tropang Texters kept their composure in overtime, jumping to a five-point lead, 81-76, with 2:33 remaining. Peter June Simon would cut the deficit to two with a trey, 81-79, with a little over two minutes left. This was when the TNT defense clamped down and held the Mixers to a single field goal to ice the game.
“I’ll just give my players credit for not getting down even in the regulation when we should’ve had a chance to win the game. We had a foul to give, we didn’t give it and they ended up scoring in it,” Black said. “At the same time, we stuck together during the overtime and we were able to get the victory. It’s a big win for Talk ‘N Text and now we’re looking forward to the game on Friday.”
Just like in Game 3, Black kept his wards fresh by using all 15 of his men.
TNT also had high marks in the hustle department, with a 23-13 edge in offensive rebouds.
“The reason why I’m using a longer rotation is because I used a shorter rotation in the first two games and we lost both games,” he said. “So I just figured out, just like what I told everybody, they’ll get a chance to play. I was gonna play as many guys as I can to win this series.”
Black added, “I’m not sure about their physical state. I’m sure both teams are tired at this point because we go at it every other day and there’s not much break in between, but we’ll just come out and gut it out on Friday and try to get a win.”
TNT spoiled James Yap’s conference-high 23 points for San Mig. Marqus Blakely was once again limited to just 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting but he was still able to grab 21 boards.
Marc Pingris had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Simon and Mark Barroca combined for 23. (RL)
The scores:
TALK N’ TEXT 84 – Harris 22, Castro 11, Fonacier 11, De Ocampo 9, Seigle 7, Alapag 6, Williams 5, Espiritu 5, Reyes Rob 3, Aban 3, Reyes Ryan 2, Reyes Jai 0, Baclao 0, Carey 0, Canaleta 0.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 81 – Yap 23, Blakely 12, Pingris 12, Simon 12, Barroca 11, Devance 9, Maliksi 2, Sangalang 0, Mallari 0.
Quarterscores: 22-19, 33-37, 55-56, 74-74, 84-81
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