San Mig Coffee a win away from title after beating Talk ‘N Text

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — James Yap buried the game-winning basket to complete a last-minute San Mig Coffee rally past Talk ‘N Text, 77-75, as the Mixers moved a win away from a third straight championship Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

James Yap of San Mig (dark) vs Ryan Reyes of Talk N Text (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

Yap hit a tough-angled fadeaway over the outstretched arms of Kelly Williams that put San Mig Coffee up for good, 76-75, with 28.0 seconds left.

“It was a game for the ages in my opinion. Just two real proud teams who just don’t quit and just keep on fighting. It was a battle all the way through,” Mixers head coach Tim Cone told reporters after his team took a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-five PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship duel.

The Tropang Texters blew a golden opportunity to take the series lead after losing a 75-71 lead after Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro, who was named Best Player of the Conference before tipoff, made back-to-back 3-pointers with only 1:15 left.

“That three-point shot by Castro, I told the guys that we still have a minute and we still have possession left and we still have a chance,” said Cone.

Castro finished with a game-high 21 points but missed a leaning triple at the buzzer that would’ve salvaged a win for TNT. Ranidel de Ocampo added 18.

James Mays led the Mixers with 20 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks. Newly-minted Best Import Richard Howell had 10 points and 22 rebounds for the Texters.

San Mig Coffee goes for the championship clincher on Thursday, 8pm, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

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