Texters outlast Energy sans key guys in PBA Governors’ Cup

Tony MItchell of Talk N Text (dark) vs Mick Pennisi and Micahel Singletary of Barako Bull (light). Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines – Talk N’ Text outlasted Barako Bull, 118-113, in overtime Friday night to get its bid rolling in the season-ending PBA Govenors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Texters survived sans keys players Jayson Castro, Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo, who are all part of the national team, and Harvey Carey, who is in the United States for his wedding.

Import Tony Mitchell carried the load with 48 points and 11 boards, although Talk N’ Text drew 23 markers from new acquisition Sean Anthony.

“I didn’t know really what to expect going to this game since we’re missing a lot of key players. I want to give credit to my remaining players who performed well today,” said head coach Norman Black.

Mitchell pounced on a fatigued Barako Bull import Michael Singletary in OT and churned out eight points in that stretch to create separation for the Texters.

“I thought we’d have to play good defense to win but it turned into a shootout,” said Black as the Energy unfurled 19 triples while Texters had 11.

The absence of practically the best players on its line-up took its toll early, but Talk N’ Text managed to summon a 21-0 blast in the third quarter to finally gain momentum and a 75-70 lead.

But the Texters couldn’t break away as a gassed Barako Bull hung tough, and even took a 98-97 lead with 1:48 to play, and just narrowly missed a chance for a game-winner in the dwindling seconds.

‪The scores:

Talk N’ Text 118 – Mitchell 48, Anthony 23, Reyes R. 19, Reyes J. 11, Al-Hussaini 8, Aban 7, Peek 2, Raymundo 0, Aquino 0, Alvarez 0, Ferriols 0.

Barako 113 – Singletary 41, Macapagal 24, Pennisi 13, Intal 12, Monfort 9, Marcelo 4, Seigle 4, Jensen 3, Buenafe 3, Bulawan 0, Weinstein 0, Cruz 0.

Quarters: 26-31, 53-62, 81-80, 101-101, 118-113