PBA: Talk ‘N Text crushes listless Ginebra in statement game

MANILA, Philippines – It was a no-bearing game for league-leading Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. But for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, it was a game that could help build their momentum coming into the playoffs and send out a statement reminding the league that they are still the 3-time Philippine Cup defending champions. 

The Texters simply laid Ginebra to waste as they shot the lights out from rainbow country as early as the opening period to run away with it, 103-79, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup on Sunday, January 19 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. 

“We lost our last 3 games in a row. So this was a game where we just wanted to try and build some confidence and momentum going into the quarter finals,” said Talk ‘N Text head coach Norman Black. “But I never expected that we would beat them by this margin.”

He added: “It may have something to do with the fact that it was a no-bearing game for both teams but at the same time we needed the momentum going into the quarters. It’s a good win for us.”

Jimmy Alapag led the three-point scoring binge in the first 24 minutes of play as he waxed hot to notch a perfect 5-of-5 from long range. He went on to score all of his 17 points in the first half alone and even dished out 5 assists. 

The Texters had a total of 10 triples in the first half as well with 3 of those coming from Ranidel De Ocampo and two from playmaker Jai Reyes. Their 62.5% shooting from beyond the arc gave them a huge 62-39 advantage at the break. 

After that Talk ‘N Text went on cruise control in the second half with their shots continuing to fall for them as opposed to a Ginebra team that struggle mightily on all fronts. 

The number one seed had no answer for Talk ‘N Text at all and were buried by as much as 28 points, 103-75, late in the fourth.  

Greg Slaughter finished in double-digits as usual with 15 points along with 5 assists. Mark Caguioa added 11 points as Japeth Aguilar was noticeably quiet with just 6 points. 

Talk ‘N Text will face San Mig Coffee on Tuesday, January 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in a best-of-3 quarter finals affair. Ginebra, on the other hand, will await the winner of tomorrow’s playoff for eighth between the Meralco Bolts and Alaska Aces. 

Scores:

Talk ‘N Text (103): Seigle 20, De Ocampo 19, Alapag 17, Peek 10, Castro 8, Ferriols 7, Reyes 6, Fonacier 6, Aban 4, Anthony 4, Reyes 2, Poligrates 0.

Ginebra (79): Slaughter 15, Caguioa 11, Tenorio 9, Mamaril 8, Ellis 7, Aguilar 6, Helterbrand 6, Ababou 5, Monfort 5, Reyes 4, Baracael 3, Urbiztondo 0, Forrester 0, Faundo 0.

Quarters: 32-21, 62-39, 84-62, 103-79 – Rappler.com