HARVEY Carey ( No. 4) of Talk ‘N Text nearly loses his balance after getting fouled by NLEX big man Enrico Villanueva. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
A TALK ‘N TEXT squad still in a period of transition proved it had more than enough firepower to crush newcomer NLEX, 103-81, last night for a breakthrough victory in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coming out more tenacious after a lackluster debut against Ginebra last Sunday, the Tropang Texters seized control in the first quarter and responded with aplomb each time the Road Warriors mounted a surge to even their card at 1-1.
Acquired during the off-season, Jay Washington delivered a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while a rejuvenated Kelly Williams tallied 18 points, including 10 in the third period to help the Tropang Texters finally pull away.
“We’re just trying to get things together as soon as we can,” said new Texters coach Jong Uichico, who took over the team only three weeks ago. “We can look at the positive in this win and hopefully we adjust to each other, with the mentality and the system.”
Later, Raymond Almazan sparked a late surge as Rain or Shine used a strong finishing kick to pin a second straight loss on Blackwater, 82-75, and also even its card at 1-1.
The Elasto Painters looked out of sorts for most of the game, before Almazan stepped up with his hustle and inside scoring that helped Rain or Shine erase a nine-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter.
The sophomore center finished with 17 points, including a quick five-point string early in the fourth period, and 10 rebounds for the Painters.
“It was really just our experience that won us the game,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “I guess it’s just that people tend to underestimate the expansion teams but they’re stronger than they look.”
The scores:
First Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 103—Washington 19, Williams 18, Castro 15, Ganuelas-Rosser 13, Carey 7, Fonacier 7, Reyes Ryan 5, Reyes Rob 5, Alas 4, De Ocampo 4, Labagala 2, Seigle 2, Aban 2, Espiritu 0.
NLEX 81—Villanueva J. 19, Ramos 14, Cardona 13, Taulava 12, Villanueva 10, Canaleta 5, Borboran 3, Baloria 3, Apinan 2, Raymundo 0, Camson 0, Villarias 0, Arboleda W. 0, Arboleda H. 0.
Quarters: 28-15, 39-34, 75-55, 103-81
Second Game
RAIN OR SHINE 82—Almazan 17, Chan 9, Belga 9, Ibanes 8, Cruz Jericho 8, Norwood 7, Cruz Jervy 6, Quinahan 6, Uyloan 4, Tang 4, Teng 2, Arana 2, Lee 0, Tiu 0.
BLACKWATER 75—Laure 16, Nuyles 13, Gamalinda 13, Tiongson 12, Faundo 6, Menor 5, Artadi 4, Erram 2, Rodriguez 2, Ballesteros 2, Timberlake 0, Austria 0, Cawaling 0.
Quarters: 11-16, 31-40, 51-60, 82-75