Talk ‘N Text beats Air21 for 3rd straight win

Asi Taulava of Air 21 (light) vs Jayson castro of TNT (dark). PBA IMAGE by KC Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — Jayson Castro scored 21 points as defending champion Talk ‘N Text extended its winning streak to three after beating Air21, 87-82, in the 2014 PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ranidel de Ocampo added 18 points for the Tropang Texters, who upped their record to 6-2.

“It’s a good thing we surpassed our hell week of three games in six days,” said TNT head coach Norman Black, whose squad also beat Rain or Shine and Barako Bull in that span.

“Nice to see Ranidel back in form again. Jayson Castro also gave us a lot of leadership today.”

Swingman Larry Fonacier had 13 points, including two timely triples that highlighted his 10-point fourth quarter, on top of 10 rebounds for the Texters.

Jimmy Alapag sat the game out due to an injury but it was hardly felt with backup guard Jai Reyes giving TNT a lift with a career-high 15 points on three-of-four shooting from long range to go along with three assists and three steals.

Asi Taulava led the Express, who absorbed their third defeat in a row and eighth in nine stints, with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Reyes scored eight points in the second quarter where TNT managed to take control of the game and lead, 48-37, by halftime.