Talk N’ Text sweeps PBA Commissioner’s Cup elims with win over Globalport

By: Celest R. Flores - 11 years ago

Ranidel De Ocampo of Talk N Text (light) vs Kelly Nabong and Evan Brock of GlobalPort (dark). PHOTO BY NUKI SABIO/PBA

MANILA, Philippines—Talk N’ Text held on to defeat Globalport, 92-91, in a thrilling finish to sweep the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Texters survived an upset-minded Batang Pier, who are on the verge of concluding the conference sans a victory, even sans injured import Richard Howell.

Talk N’ Text hung on by a hairline in the winding seconds with two freebies from Jayson Castro putting them head by four, 91-87, with 6.5 seconds left but the Batang Pier inching to within a point on a triple from Alex Cabagnot.

Ranidel De Ocampo split his charities in the ensuing play to put the game still within Global Port’s reach, but Evan Brock botched his second free throw attempt that would’ve tied the game with 1.9 ticks left.

It was the first time in 24 years, according to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon, that a team swept the elimination round with the 9-0 Texters getting a twice-to-beat advantage.

Kelly Williams, who put on a double-double show with 16 points and 11 boards, commended his teammates for stepping up in the absence of Howell.

“We know that the past conferences, when we lose a guy everybody has a step up. With Howell out, our bigs had to step up and rebound, and they did,” Williams said.

De Ocampo, who scorched with three triples with the last giving Talk N’ Text the lead for good 82-80 with four minutes left, led with 17 points. Danny Seigle and Larry Fonacier, meanwhile, combined for 31.

Alex Cabagnot, meanwhile, paced the Batang Pier with 29 points, obviously raring not to end the conference with a winless record.

Cabagnot accounted for seven of the last 10 points of Globalport including the clutch three with 3.8 seconds left which put them in a position to steal the win.

But the Batang Pier reeled to their eight defeat in as many starts with a game left to play.