Ranidel De Ocampo and Harvey Carey of Talk N Text (dark) vs Yousif Taha of Purefoods (light). NUKI SABIO/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text assured itself of a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals and dealt a big blow to Purefoods’ own bid with a 100-96 squeaker in overtime in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ranidel de Ocampo scored 18 points, highlighted by a one-legged fadeaway over Marc Pingris that put the Tropang Texters ahead, 98-94, with 55.4 seconds left. He also secured a key rebound after the Hotshots missed on three chances at the basket that could’ve tied the game at 98.
A Larry Fonacier layup forced overtime at 88-all with 0.6 tenths of a second left after Purefoods center Rafi Reavis overplayed at the defensive end.
“It’s always tough to play Purefoods. They keep their poise and they’re very disciplined. They’re used to this kind of game,” said TNT head coach Jong Uichico.
“Luckily, we’re able to get through but it’s just another game. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re a champion contender. But we’re happy to win over Purefoods,” Uichico added.
De Ocampo fired 11 of his points in the fourth quarter and extra period. Ryan Reyes added 14 points and Jayson Castro had 13, including a pair of jumpers that got things going for Talk ‘N Text in OT.
The Texters improved to 7-3 while the Hotshots dropped to 5-5.
“Hopefully we can carry this over into the quarterfinals,” said Uichico.
Talk ‘N Text’s win also gave Barangay Ginebra San Miguel a slot for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.
Marc Pingris paced Purefoods with 21 points and 11 rebounds. James Yap posted 18 but had just two points each in the fourth quarter and OT.