Talk ‘N Text moves to first place with win over Globalport

MANILA, Philippines – Ivan Johnson and Ranidel de Ocampo conspired for 60 points as the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters regained the top spot in the standings with a 96-88 victory over Globalport Batangn Pier in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, March 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Import Johnson posted a double-double of 35 points and 20 rebounds as he took over in the final frame to ward off a gritty Globalport squad.

The 30-year old took over late, after the Batang Pier came to within 7 points, and poured all of his 11 fourth quarter points in the last 4 minutes and 39 seconds. He drained two triples and a jumper, and converted on a three-point play to keep Globalport at bay.

De Ocampo, on the other hand, tallied 25 points, including 14 in the first half, as he sizzled for 6-of-9 shots from downtown along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

It was a strong comeback for the now 6-2 Texters, who fell victim to expansion team KIA Carnival last Wednesday. 

“Good comeback in today’s game. We really focused. Good win,” said head coach Jong Uichico. “I thought we really did a pretty good job defensively. We did a good job rebounding, which translated somehow to our offense.” 

Rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser also added 13 points as Talk ’N Text led by as much as 13 late in the game. 

The surprise loss to KIA, however, was not the main motivation for the Texters.

Uichico shared their Philippine Cup defeat versus a then hot-shooting Globalport was what pushed his wards to today’s victory. 

“Not necessarily because of that loss [to KIA] but they are extra motivated because last conference when we lost that game nung pumutok si Terrence [Romeo] and Ronjay [Buenafe] (when Terrence and Ronjay exploded) and shot a lot of threes. That’s their extra motivation today, last conference’s game.”

Romeo was the leading scorer for Globalport in this game with 20 points to go with 6 assists, while import Calvin Warner added 19 markers and 27 rebounds. Stanley Pringle and Keith Jensen each had 16 and 10 points, respectively, as the Batang Pier fell to 4-4 in the standings. – Rappler.com