PBA: Talk ‘N Text beats Meralco for 3rd straight win

Ranidel De Ocampo of Talk N Text (light) vs Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco (dark). NUKI SABIO/PBA

MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text edged Meralco, 80-72, for its third straight win in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Tropang Texters forward Ranidel de Ocampo drained a dagger of a triple to beat the shot clock off a broken play that made it, 76-68, with 2:10 remaining.

“We just squeaked by the game. We were not very aggressive at the start,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico. “We didn’t play the way we should’ve played today.”

“We got crucial rebounds at the end and we got good stops at the end but I just wished we played like that the entire game,” Uichico added.

Rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser gave the Texters extra possessions late that led to crucial baskets including de Ocampo’s 3-pointer.

Jimmy Alapag sank two free throws for a 78-72 cushion with 36.8 seconds left. TNT hiked its record to 4-2.

Gary David posted 17 points for the Bolts, who shot just 33% from the field.

Ryan Reyes also scored 17 for the Texters while de Ocampo had 15.