Talk ‘N Text storms back to clip Barako, go 4-0

MANILA, Philippines – Talk ‘N Text survived a bad start and battled back to repulse Barako Bull, 101-96 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, March 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters relied on Gilas Pilipinas mainstays Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier who showcased their speed and shooting, respectively as coach Norman Black’s wards went immaculate picking up their fourth straight win.

Castro finished with an all-around game consisting of 25 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals while Fonacier added 16 on 4/5 from downtown, scoring 11 in the second half.

Import Richard Howell picked up a 23-point, 20-rebound production.

“It feels good to get a great start in this short conference so it is important not to catch up in the end,” said TNT mentor Norman Black.

“Our execution was much better in the second half but Barako had good ball rotation and kept hitting outside shots.”

The Energy capitalized on TNT’s early foul trouble and sour shooting to build a dozen-point lead at 29-17, with scoring machine Josh Dollard pouring in 13 first quarter points.

However, the Tropang Texters started to battle back after stepping on the gas pedal in the second period. Behind KG Canaleta and the speedy Jayson Castro, who drained three triples including one that pulled them to within 45-46 with under a minute remaining before the halftime break.

Castro continued his surge in the third quarter, beating everyone else with his blazing speed, although Barako Bull were able to keep TNT at bay with their outside connections.

But the tides changed in the final frame with Barako’s shooting turning ugly and Talk ‘N Text pouring baskets from all over the court.

Larry Fonacier scored eight points in a 9-1 run that gave the lead to TNT, 77-72. A breakdown move by Castro over Dollard later on made it 88-83, with 3:29 left in the game.

A split by Ronjay Buenafe and a putback by Dollard made it 88-86, but Fonacier then drained a big three in the last 1:41, giving the Texters more breathing room at 91-86.

Free throws by Castro, Jimmy Alapag, and Ranidel De Ocampo in the end sealed the deal for the unbeaten Texters.

Dollard managed to finish with 33 points for Barako Bull but was limited to just 7 in the second and third periods, allowing TNT to stay within striking distance.

The Energy dropped their second straight meeting and fell to 1-3.

Scores:

Talk ‘N Text – Castro 25, Howell 23, Canaleta 18, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 11, Alapag 6, Williams 2, Aban 0, Reyes Ry. 0, Baclao 0, Carey 0.

Barako Bull – Dollard 33, Buenafe 18, Miranda 14, Intal 13, Miller 11, Pennisi 3, Jensen 2, Pena 2, Deutchman 0, Fortuna 0, Marcelo 0.

Quarter scores: 24-30, 45-48, 67-68, 101-96.

– Rappler.com