Talk ‘N Text keeps Air21 at bay

MANILA, Philippines Three days before Christmas turned out to be a good day for three-point shooting in the PBA.

Just as Barako Bull buried 14 treys in the first game, The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters swished in 13 triples on their way to a rout of the Air21 Express, 87-82, in the PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup on Sunday, December 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ranidel de Ocampo drained 4 triples to clock in 18 points, while Jayson Castro was simply a man on a mission as he led the Texters with 21 points on two treys. He added 6 rebounds and 4 assists to that as well.

The Texters managed to build a comfortable lead early in the game to lead by 48-37 before heading into the dugout. From then on they went on cruise control, keeping Air21 at bay by at least 7 points.

But within the final minute of the match, Air21 attempted a last ditch rally as they came to within 5, 84-79, on a Joseph Yeo freebie after Vic Manuel scored on an and-one play.

But the effort came a little too late as Talk ‘N Text held on and avoided a collapse.

“No collapse this time coz we had a big lead,” said TNT coach Norman Black after the game.

He expressed relief that his team was able to survive what he deemed as their ‘hell week’ with 3 games in 6 days.

“I was really concerned with our ability to finish the 3 games and hopefully win the 3 games but luckily we got through it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Black expects to have his team complete and healthy in their next game as Jimmy Alapag, who sat out today’s game due to a pulled groin, will be back next game. Ryan Reyes will also be returning.

Asi Taulava took charge for the Express with a game-high 23 markers and 11 boards, as Air21 dropped to 1-8. Talk ‘N Text, on the other hand, improved to 6-2.

The scores:

Talk ‘N Text (87) – Castro 21, De Ocampo 18, Reyes 15, Fonacier 13, Carey 6, Seigle 5, Aban 5, Baclao 4, Williams 0, Anthony 0, Poligrates 0.

Air21 (82) – Taulava 23, Yeo 13, Canaleta 13, Camson 8, Cardona 8, Manuel 6, Custodio 4, Jaime 3, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Burstcher 1, Arboleda 0, Ritualo 0.

Quarters: 20-18, 48-37, 67-57, 87-82

– with reports from Jane Bracher/Rappler.com