Talk ‘N Text throws wrench in Alaska’s title defense bid

MANILA, Philippines – The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters sent defending champions Alaska Aces to a horrible start in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup with a convincing 85-72 drubbing on Wednesday, March 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Texters relied on teamwork behind the leadership of veteran guard Jimmy Alapag with his energy on defense. He had 11 points and 6 assists.

“He really orchestrated the team well today. He was ahead of our defense, he was the one pressuring their point guards,” TNT head coach Norman Black commended Alapag.

He added: “It’s a great start for us. I’m happy for the team, I’m happy for our import.”

Texters import Richard Howell had a good debut, finishing with 15 points.

“He’s not really a great offensive player. But he’s a good defender and a good rebounder,” explained Black.

True enough, the 6-foot-8 Howell collared 30 rebounds all on his own.

The Texters pulled away in the second and never looked back, even as Alaska repeatedly pressured them.

Entering the fourth, Alaska tried spearheading a fightback as they quickly scored 6 straight points to make it 73-59. Alaska came as close as 75-62 on a Calvin Abueva triple before completed and-one plays from Alapag and Howell doused water on whatever momentum the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup champions had.

The 20-point hole, 73-53, that TNT built after 3 quarters proved too much to overcome for an Alaska squad raring to bounce back from a lackluster Philippine Cup.

The Texters were searing from three-point land (9-of-25) that by the third period, as Alaska was clawing back up from 11 points down, a pair of triples from KG Canaleta and Alapag broke Alaska’s back at the 2:33 mark of the third. Howell then scored another two points in the ensuing play as the lead climbed up to 69-52 once again.

A gritty opening canto featured Alaska and Talk ‘N Text in a standoff for who could break the other first and pull away. The first 12 minutes ended in a deadlock at 22.

By the second period, Alaska continued being horrible at the stripe, going 6-of-15 for the entire first half. Their field goals weren’t good enough, too, as the Aces settled for 13 points in the second frame. While the Texters improved from the first period with 23 points as they finished the first half up 45-35.

Ranidel de Ocampo paced the Texters with 21 points–16 of which he poured in the first 24 minutes–to go with 10 rebounds.

Alaska import Rob Dozier, who bagged the Best Import plum of the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, registered 16 points and 10 rebounds. Calvin Abueva notched multiple attempts to turn things around for his team but couldn’t get the job done. He ended up with 16 points and 14 boards.

Scores:

Talk ‘N Text (85): De Ocampo 21, Howell 15, Castro 12, Alapag 11, Canaleta 9, Reyes Ry. 8, Fonacier 5, Reyes Ro. 2, Carey 2, Baclao 0.

Alaska (72): Dozier 16, Abueva 16, Baguio 13, Thoss 8, Jazul 7, Casio 5, Espinas 3, Dela Cruz 2, Hontiveros 2.

Quarters: 22-22, 45-35, 73-53, 85-72.

– Rappler.com