GABBY Espinas of Alaska gets away from Talk ‘N Text’s Ranidel de Ocampo for a reverse layup in last night’s still-unfinished game at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Alex Compton called the shots for Alaska for the first time last night and didn’t take any credit for a 103-91 victory over an import-less Talk ‘N Text crew that put the Aces back on track in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I had zero magic out there, it was all about the players,” Compton, who took over the dismissed Luigi Trillo Sunday morning.
Henry Walker scored 27 points, had 10 assists and seven rebounds and four locals—led by the 21 of JV Casio—drilled in 10 or better as the Aces rose to 2-1 and dealt the Tropang Texters their first loss in two games.
Talk ‘N Text played minus the very efficient Othyus Jeffers, who, as it turned out, had complications with his contract with former NBA team Minnesota. The Texters can be fined for this by both the PBA and the NBA.
The Texters’ next game is tomorrow against Rain or Shine in Biñan, Laguna, and they have asked the PBA to measure Rodney Carney for the 6-foot-5 height limit in case Jeffers fails to iron out his problems with the Timberwolves.
Ranidel de Ocampo scored 13 of his 27 points in the first period for the Texters, who took a couple of 12-point leads in the first quarter only to fall later on without Jeffers.
Walker, a legitimate NBA veteran, tossed in 10 of his total in the second period and the Aces took a 54-49 halftime lead they never relinquished.
“It is good that we won,” Compton, who spoke in Filipino more than he did his mother tongue, added on how he felt on the bench. “Talk ‘N Text didn’t have an import, it was a tough position for them to be at. It was obviously a clear advantage for us.”
Casio drained 14 of his points in the final two periods, including a three-pointer with less than a minute remaining for 99-91 that put the game out of reach of the Texters.
Sonny Thoss had 14 points and eight rebounds, and Alaska mangled the Texters off the boards, 45-28, while dishing out 15 assists compared to the six of Talk ‘N Text.
Jason Castro fired 23 and former MVP Kelly Williams contributed 13 for the Texters.
Meanwhile, Air21 and Barangay Ginebra battle for the solo lead on Tuesday even as winless Meralco tries to prop up its sagging fortunes by recalling Mario West in lieu of the much-hyped Terrence Williams for the match with San Mig Coffee, also at the Big Dome.
With 2-0 cards, the Express and the Gin Kings, who finished in the bottom half of the last conference, will collide at 8 p.m.
Meralco and San Mig Coffee earlier clash at 5:45 p.m. with the Mixers hoping to bounce back from a 92-90 loss to sister team San Miguel Beer last Sunday.
THE SCORES:
ALASKA 103—Walker 27, Casio 21, Thoss 14, Baguio 14, Espinas 10, Manuel 7, Hontiveros 6, Abueva 4, Dela Cruz 0, Jazul 0, Eman 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT 91—De Ocampo 27, Castro 23, Williams 13, Fonacier 7, Ryan Reyes 6, Alapag 6, Seigle 5, Baclao 2, Carey 2, Rob Reyes 0, Aban 0, Espiritu 0.
Quarters: 26-31, 54-49, 77-68, 103-91