Blowout loss to Talk ‘N Text keeps Meralco winless

MANILA, Philippines – The Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters went on a 23-4 run late in the first quarter to take control and never looked back the rest of the way in their victory over the Meralco Bolts, 105-91, on Wednesday, November 11, at the PhilSports Arena.

Led by the strong play of first overall pick Moala Tautuaa and national team member Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, the Tropang Texters raced off to a 33-17 lead after 12 minutes of play, which Jimmy Alapag and the Bolts couldn’t recover from.

The win improved Talk ’N Text’s record in the 2015-2016 Philippine Cup to 2-1, while Meralco dropped to 0-3.

“We should [have played] better than we did last two games and I thought we did a good job today playing better,” Talk ’N Text head coach Jong Uichico said following the game. 

“Generally, from our last two games, maganda yung laro namin (our play was good) today,” he said.

Rosser finished with a game-high 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Tautuaa had 18 points and 10 boards. Jayson Castro finished with 15 points and 4 boards, while second overall pick in the draft Troy Rosario recorded 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting.

Meralco was led by the 16 points of returning big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who also had 5 boards. Gary David, Chris Newsome, and Cliff Hodge each had 13 points in the defeat, while Jared Dillinger recorded 11 points.

As a team, Talk ’N Text shot 49% from the field and 48% from downtown while sharing the handle with 25 assists. 

The Bolts shot 44% from the floor, but hit just 2-of-18 from long range.

Talk ’N Text once again played without injured big man Ranidel de Ocampo, who’s still expected to be out an extended period of time as he recovers from a herniated disc injury.

“So far it’s still 8 weeks (how long he will be out), so that’s when he will start practice. So far, ganon parin (it’s still the same).

The Tropang Texters will be back in action on Saturday, November 14, when they face the Star Hotshots.

Meralco is back in action on Sunday, November 15, against the Barako Bull Energy.

Scores:

TALK N’ TEXT (105) – Rosser 19, Tautuaa 18, Castro 15, Rosario 14, Fonacier 9, Reyes 9, Carey 8, Miranda 4, Seigle 4, Aban 3, Rodriguez 2, Reyes 0.

MERALCO (91) – Al-Hussaini 16, David 13, Hodge 13, Newsome 13, Dillinger 11, Amer 8, Nabong 6, Alapag 4, Sedurifa 4, Faundo 2, Guevarra 1, Hugnatan 0.

Quarter scores: 33-17, 60-38, 88-64, 105-91 – Rappler.com