Paul Harris of Talk N Text (light) vs Dior Lowhorn and Marvin Hayes of GlobalPort (dark). NUKI SABIO/PBA
MANILA, Philippines—With jetlag and all, Paul Harris announced his return as the Talk ‘N Text import in a truly big way.
Despite turning in just two practices with the team after planing in from France, Harris shot 38 points to lead the Tropang Texters to a 97-82 win over Globalport at Cuneta Astrodome Friday night and to within another victory of a twice-to-beat privilege in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Harris scorched the Batang Pier with six triples, providing the impact that coach Norman Black didn’t get from Rodney Carney, and spearheaded the Texters to a fourth straight win in a 5-1 card.
More than ending the day as solo leader, the Texters now have three chances to assure themselves of a top-four slot.
Alaska later scored a 93-84 decision of defending champion San Mig Coffee.
Henry Walker scored 32 points and had 13 boards to lead the Aces, who came into the game fresh from a 51-point shellacking at the hands of Rain or Shine on Wednesday.
Alaska rose to 2-4 and denied the Mixers the chance to tie Talk ‘N Text for the lead. Instead, San Mig dropped to 4-2.
“You want to have the easiest road back to the Finals,” Black said when asked if finishing No. 1 was of primary importance. “It’s still a target. We’re shooting for at least top two because that little bit of advantage (of winning just once) really helps you. Being the strongest, means that you will play the weakest.”
It was an all-Harris show right from the get-go as he made his first triple try and missed just two attempts for the night.
Globalport lost for the fourth straight game and dropped into a three-way tie for eighth spot with Meralco and Barako Bull at 1-5.
Only the bottom two teams will be eliminated and the Bolts have a chance to wriggle out of that tie with a win over powerhouse San Miguel Beer at 5 p.m. today at Xavier Gym in Cagayan de Oro City.
The scores:
First Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 97—Harris 37, Castro 14, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 7, Reyes Ryan 7, Alapag 5, Williams 4, Canaleta 4, Seigle 2, Reyes Jai 2, Baclao 2, Aban 0, Carey 0.
GLOBALPORT 82—Lowhorn 22, Cabagnot 17, Menk 11, Yee 8, Romeo 8, Buenafe 5, Lingganay 4, Hayes 3, Ponferada 2, Macapagal 2, Salvador 0, Acuna 0.
Quarters: 23-23, 41-39, 69-63, 97-82
Second Game
ALASKA 93—Walker 32, Manuel 14, Baguio 13, Espinas 11, Thoss 9, Abueva 6, Casio 5, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 1, Reyes 0, Hontiveros 0.
SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE 84—Devance 14, Mallari 13, Blakely 11, Simon 10, Maliksi 9, Reavis 9, Sangalang 7, Yap 6, Melton 4, Pingris 1, Barroca 0.
Quarters: 17-19, 39-37, 71-58, 93-84