Talk ‘N Text subdues GlobalPort to welcome back Paul Harris

MANILA, Philippines – With Rodney Carney not living up to his billing, Talk ‘N Text turned to a familiar face to reinforce them for this game and maybe lead them to the promised land this conference.

Paul Harris first played for TNT way back in 2011, leading the franchise to the Commissioner’s Cup title. He then returned in the 2012 Governors’ Cup, helping TNT reach the semifinals.

Once again, he makes his way to the PBA, and this time he is the third import for TNT. He didn’t disappoint in his first game back, however, racking up a game-high 37 points to pace the Tropang Texters and put away the Globalport, 97-82, on Friday, June 6 at the Cuneta Astrodome to assure them of a spot in the next round of the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup.

GlobalPort actually played well for about 3 periods here, staying within striking distance of Talk ‘N Text till the start of the final frame, 69-63.

At that point, Harris and Gilas Pilipinas guard Jayson Castro paired up to score TNT’s first 13 markers of the payoff period. That burst was capped off by the sixth and final three-pointer of Harris, which gave the Texters an 82-69 advantage that they would not relinquish.

Harris scored 28 of his 37 points in the second half, including hitting all 6 of his made treys in the third and fourth periods. The Syracuse University alum also hauled down 14 rebounds. He was backstopped by Castro and Ranidel De Ocampo, who tallied 14 and 13 markers respectively. 

On the other end of the floor, Dior Lowhorn led the Batang Pier with 22 points, but this was way lower than his average of 35.5 points heading into the contest. To compound things, star forward Jay Washington missed the game reportedly because of tonsilitis.

GlobalPort enjoyed 17 points, 8 dimes, and 6 boards from Alex Cabagnot, while veteran Eric Menk dropped 11 markers. Meanwhile, Ronjay Buenafe, who got traded to the Batang Pier from Barako Bull, debuted with 5 points.

Scores: 

Talk ‘N Text 97 – Harris 37, Castro 14, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 7, Reyes R 7, Alapag 5, Williams 4, Canaleta 4, Seigle 2, Reyes J 2, Baclao 2, Aban 0, Carey 0.

GlobalPort 82 – Lowhorn 22, Cabagnot 17, Menk 11, Yee 8, Romeo 8, Buenafe 5, Lingganay 4, Hayes 3, Ponferada 2, Macapagal 2, Salvador 0, Acuna 0.

Quarter scores: 23-23, 41-39, 69-63, 97-82.

– Rappler.com