Texters rally to edge Bolts

TALK ‘N TEXT import Othyus Jeffers barges into Meralco’s Clifford Hodge. August dela Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — Jason Castro came to Talk ‘N Text’s rescue inside the final two minutes Wednesday night and keyed a scrambling 105-99 victory over Meralco in the Tropang Texters’ debut in the PBA Governors Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The fleet-footed point guard, the Best Player of the last conference, scored 10 of the Texters’ final 13 points inside the last 1:39 as Talk ‘N Text roared back from five points down with less than a minute left.

Othyus Jeffers scored 26 of his 38 points in the first two quarters as the Texters took command with leads of as large as 14 points. But when he was finally slowed down by the Meralco defense, the Bolts rallied to make it back in the game.

“The best way to get back into the groove is to get a win today,” Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black said, less than a week  after losing in the Finals of the Commissioner’s Cup to San Mig Coffee.

The loss was the second straight for the Bolts, counting a 95-94 heartbreaker to Barako Bull in the tournament’s first game Sunday.

And it wasn’t as if the Bolts didn’t have a chance.

Meralco took a 97-92 lead heading into the final 2:25 after two straight baskets from Cliff Hodge—a tip-in of a Gary David miss and a triple. The Bolts had the Texters on the ropes but just couldn’t capitalize.

Talk ‘N Text missed three straight triple tries in their next possession coming off a timeout, but import Terrence Williams threw an outlet pass to David that the two-time scoring champion couldn’t handle.

That was the opening that Castro needed. He first completed a three-point play off Hodge before Ranidel de Ocampo tied it up at 97 when he posted up Hodge for a short stab, time down to 67 seconds.

Castro sealed the deal with four straight free throws that came after Jared Dillinger had taken the Bolts to within 99-100.

The scores:

First Game

TALK ‘N TEXT 105— Jeffers 38, De Ocampo 22, Castro 21, Carey 7, Fonacier 6, Williams 4, Alapag 3, Seigle 2, Canaleta 2, Reyes Ryan 0, Reyes Rob 0, Baclao 0.