TNT triumphs, nails top seed
TALK ‘N TEXT shut down Petron Blaze when it truly mattered last night in a 9582 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum that allowed the defending champion Tropang Texters to seal the No. 1 seeding in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Texters held the Boosters to two points inside the final 5:49, breaking away from an 80-all game to eventually notch win No. 11 against two losses.
The only team that can mathematically catch Talk ‘N Text right now is San Mig Coffee.
But even if the Mixers get to 11 wins and the Texters lose to Barangay Ginebra in their last game—a scenario that will leave both teams tied at 11-3—Talk ‘N Text will still end up with the No. 1 seeding by virtue of its 29-point victory over San Mig Coffee in the elimination round.
Jason Castro scored 23 points, had eight rebounds and five assists and Jimmy Alapag and Ryan Reyes drained two clutch treys to break that last tie that sent the Texters on their way.
Arwind Santos paced the Boosters, who dropped to 6-7, with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, less than a week out of the hospital, Calvin Abueva churned out a career game that sparked Alaska’s 88-85 victory over Meralco in the first game. Abueva, who had just five practices after being confined for three days because of a nasal infection, scored 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds with his energy on both ends helping the Aces improve to 6-6 and back within playoff range. The scores: First Game ALASKA 88— Abueva 20, Baguio 19, Baracael 12, Thoss 12, Casio 9, Espinas 7, Jazul 6, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 1, Reyes 0, Hontiveros 0.
MERALCO 85— Ross 14, Cardona 14, Hodge 13, Hugnatan 11, Mercado 10, Borboran 9, Nabong 6, Reyes 5, Buenafe 3, Salvacion 0. Quarters: 24-21, 43-34, 64-66, 88-85 Second Game TALK ‘N TEXT 95— Castro 23, Williams 14, Reyes 12, Alapag 11, De Ocampo 10, Peek 9, Dillinger 8, Fonacier 6, Carey 2, Aban 0, Alvarez 0.
PETRON 82— Santos 22, Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 12, Fajardo 7, Lutz 7, Yeo 5, Washington 5, Faundo 4, Miranda 3, Duncil 0.
Quarters: 15-18, 38-44, 66-66, 95-82