Petron books semifinal slot
JASON Castro of Talk ‘N Text drives past JC Intal of B-Meg. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Playing with sustained brilliance, Talk ‘N Text last night infused life in its bid for PBA immortality.
The Tropang Texters bounced back from a cold spell in the first quarter by coming out of the half with all guns blazing to hack out an 82-77 victory over San Mig Coffee and forge a do-or-die game with the Mixers in their PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup quarterfinal duel at Mall of Asia Arena.
Jason Castro epitomized the Texters’ fighting heart in the second half, scoring 12 of his team-high 20 points while getting help from practically everyone else in the critical win.
The KO match will be played on Sunday at nearby Cuneta Astrodome.
Niño Canaleta, with two full days of practice with his latest team behind him, pumped in 13 points like Ryan Reyes, and Danny Seigle scattered 11 in the low-scoring game the Texters controlled most of the way.
“The difference today was the two days of practice that we had with KG (Canaleta) and the three returning players,” Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black told reporters. “And we figured out already that we can’t beat San Mig without playing defense.”
Petron Blaze, the third seed, advanced to a best-of-seven Final Four showdown with No. 2 Rain or Shine after bundling out Barako Bull, 107-100, in the second game.
Alex Cabagnot scored 22 points and had 12 assists to lead the Boosters.
Meanwhile, Alaska tries to become just the fourth eighth-seeded team to make the Final Four when the Aces, with momentum on their side, battle No. 1 Barangay Ginebra in the rubber match of their own series at Cuneta.
Game time is 4 p.m. with the Aces hoping to build on its 104-97 series-opening victory.
The scores:
First Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 82—Castro 20, Reyes R. 13, Canaleta 13, Seigle 11, De Ocampo 9, Williams 8, Peek 4, Fonacier 2, Carey 2, Aban 0, Baclao 0, Alapag 0.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 77—Devance 13, Barroca 12, Simon 12, Reavis 12, Mallari 7, Pingris 6, Melton 6, Yap 5, Sangalang 4, De Ocampo 0.
Quarters: 19-21, 38-34, 62-52, 82-77
Second Game
PETRON 107—Cabagnot 22, Lutz 18, Santos 17, Fajardo 14, Lassiter 11, Tubid 10, Ross 8, Kramer 7, Lanete 0.
BARAKO BULL 100—Maierhofer 21, Intal 20, Miranda 15, Miller 11, Pena 11, Pennisi 8, Lastimosa 6, Jensen 4, Wilson 2, Buenafe 2, Isip 0.
Quarters: 25-18, 52-52, 107-100
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