MVP Cup: Wellington Saints claim 2nd place with rout of Texters

MANILA, Philippines – The Wellington Saints of New Zealand finished the 2015 MVP Cup in second place after routing the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 101-78, on Sunday, September 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Bloxham posted 20 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists as the Saints bounced back from another stinging defeat at the hands of Gilas Pilipinas on Saturday night, September 12.

Mitchell Newton and Justin Richard Edwards paced Wellington with 18 and 19 points, respectively, as they finished the 4-team pocket tournament with a 2-1 record.

Playing coach Kevin Braswell did not see action after dropping 25 points against Gilas.

The Texters maintained a close distance until the third quarter, where the Saints turned a close 48-43 halftime edge to a 72-60 lead entering the fourth. Wellington led by as much 27 late in the payoff period.

Moala Tautuaa continued to improve for Talk ‘N Text as he punctuated his stellar MVP Cup performance with a 26-point, 6-rebound outing. The 6-foot-7 big man who was played in this year’s William Jones Cup as a member of the Gilas pool averaged 21 points this tournament.

Larry Fonacier and Jai Reyes contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, in the defeat as the Texters finished the tourney with a 1-2 record, beating only Chinese Taipei. – Rappler.com