Talk N’ Text flourishes in OT, takes 3-0 lead over Powerade
MANILA, Philippines—Talk N’ Text came out jumping in overtime after a deflating end to the regulation to upend Powerade, 133-126, for a commanding 3-0 advantage in the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Texters, who are now a win away from the title, raced to a six point lead early in extra time and held the Tigers to just five points to seal the imposing lead, wherein no team has even come back from.
Larry Fonacier finished with 25 points, but it was Ranidel De Ocampo, who had 21 points and six rebounds, who poured in the points in OT for the Texters.
Jimmy Alapag drilled in a huge triple with 53 seconds left which gave Talk N’ Text the taste of the lead after trailing for most of the game.
Ryan Reyes, who helped the Texters catch up with back-to-back baskets midway the payoff period, added 19 points and seven rebounds.
The victory would’ve been claimed by the Texters earlier if not for JVee Casio’s back-breaking triple at the buzzer.
The Tigers stunned the Texters and deleted a five-point deficit with just under 20 seconds left, highlighted by a botched inbound play which led to Casio’s trey.
Casio had 18 points and 11 assists, while three other Powerade players finished with 25 points or more but it still wasn’t enough to carry the Tigers.
Gary David had 36 points while Marcio Lassiter and Sean Anthony added 25 points apiece.
Game four is set on Friday, with the Texters having a chance to wrap it all up at 6:45 pm at the same venue.
