Talk ‘N Text survives first overtime behind Castro’s 33 points

MANILA, Philippines – The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters survived the first overtime game of the season and routed the Alaska Aces, 114-111, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup on Thursday, November 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Texters led for most of the contest, relying heavily on their defense to keep Alaska at bay.

The Aces then went on a quiet 13-6 run midway in the fourth, capped off by two go-ahead freebies from Jayvee Casio following a game-tying three by Aldrech Ramos.

But the Texters were also sizzling offensively, particularly Jayson Castro who completed an and-one play and a go-ahead triple to keep their noses ahead, 99-98, with 2:39 left.

Castro put up 33 massive points on the board, including a crucial assist to Kelly Williams for a basket off the glass to lead by 103-100 with over a minute remaining.

Casio still had other plans as he drained a cold-blooded trey to knot the game at 103 with 17 seconds left.

Castro went for the final basket in regulation, driving through the open lane but eventually missed on the attempt. Harvey Carey got the putback but time expired as the game went into overtime.

First PBA 2014 overtime

Both teams opened the extra period with three-point plays, tying the game once again at 106. They also showed just how much offensive firepower they have in the wings as Jimmy Alapag and Dondon Hontiveros exchanged treys with less than 2 minutes left.

Hontiveros had a chance to steal the game with two charities after Leo Avenido stole the ball off the Texters’ inbound, but was unable to convert from the stripe.

Casio tried to save the game once again for Alaska, just as he did in regulation, but his lay-up didn’t have enough juice as Carey sank split from the line to finish the match.

The scores:

Talk N’ Text (114) – Castro 33, Alapag 20, Fonacier 18, Carey 15, Williams 7, Reyes 7, Poligrates 5, Peek 4, Anthony 3, Baclao 2, Celiz 0, Reyes 0.

Alaska (111) – Ramos 20, Thoss 16, Hontiveros 15, Abueva 14, Casio 13, Espinas 12, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Avenido 0, Buenafe 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 50-48, 75-74, 103-103, 114-111

– with reports from Jane Bracher/Rappler.com