Talk ‘N Text off to ‘great start’ after beating Alaska, 85-72

Jason Castro of Talk N Text (light) vs Rob Dozier Jr and Dondon Hontiveros of Alaska (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text rode on its strong play in the second and third quarter to smother defending champion Alaska to an 85-72 decision at the start of the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tropang Texters outscored the Aces, 51-31, in the middle periods before making the right plays on both ends down the stretch to douse a late run.

“It’s a great start for us. Happy for the team happy for our import. He is not really a great offensive player but he is a good defender and good rebounder,” said TNT head coach Norman Black.

Texters import Richard Howell scored 15 points on 22 attempts but he corralled 30 rebounds and had two steals and a block in his first game.

“Our defense was much better today. We played great defense the entire game. That’s going to be our focus for the conference,” added Black. “Jimmy Alapag really orchestrated our team well today. He was the head of our defense. He was pressuring the point guards.”

Ranidel de Ocampo led all scorers with 21 points, 16 in the first half while Alapag had 11 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Alaska drew 16 points apiece from returning import Rob Dozier and Calvin Abueva with the sophomore forward also grabbing 14 rebounds.

TNT led by as much as 20, 73-53, heading into the fourth quarter before Alaska trimmed it down to 13 twice – with the last on a Sonny Thoss jumper—with 2:25 left.

But it was a case of too little too late for the Aces, who shot just 33% from the field and 58% from the free throw line.

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