Texters rout Energy, march to next round

TALK ‘N TEXT big man Rob Reyes (right) is fouled by JC Intal of Barako Bull while going for a basket in last night’s game. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ANTIPOLO—Playing like they wanted it more, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last night tore Barako Bull to shreds, 105-76, after breaking away from the Energy in the second quarter at Ynares Center here.

The Texters, the fourth seeds, broke free from a 29-all game with a 12-0 bomb and were never threatened the rest of the way, becoming the third higher-ranked team to advance to the second phase of the quarterfinals in as many games.

Alaska, the third seed, and Meralco, ranked sixth, disposed of their respectively foes with narrow victories on Thursday to advance to the second phase opposite each other.

Their game is slated at 5 p.m. tomorrow as action returns to Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rookies Matt Ganuelas-Rosser tossed in a career-high 19 points and Kevin Alas finished with 14 as the duo spearheaded the Texters in the breakaway that had Talk ‘N Text taking leads of as large as 35 points late in the game.

Talk ‘N Text showed extra vitality starting the second quarter, pressing high the entire time to rattle the Energy, the ninth-seeded side which joined No. 10 NLEX and No. 7 Purefoods in taking an early Christmas vacation.

The Star Hotshots saw their reign come to a halt on Thursday at Cuneta Astrodome after taking a beating at the hands of the Bolts. Purefoods’ title run thus ended at four.

“There’s this [tendency] of the players to relax,” Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico rued during the winning coach’s interview when asked about a slow start where Talk ‘N Text struggled to a 23-19 lead at the end of the first period.

“They picked up their energy level in the second period,” Uichico said. “There’s another game we have to think of. Our defense depends on who our opponent will be.”

Talk ‘N Text is awaiting a second phase foe between No. 5 Barangay Ginebra and No. 8 Globalport with the Gin Kings also shooting for that one win to march on at press time.

Three others scored in twin digits for Uichico, including Larry Fonacier with 11. Fonacier drained two straight treys that ushered the Texters to a 76-50 lead.

JC Intal shot 16 points and Willie Wilson 15 for the Energy, who traded away big man Mick Pennisi to Purefoods last week.

The winner of the Alaska-Meralco KO game will advance to meet No. 2 Rain or Shine in a best-of-seven semifinal series that starts on Thursday next week at Mall of Asia Arena.

San Miguel Beer, the top-ranked team, will await the winner of the series between the Texters against either the Gin Kings or the Batang Pier.

The scores:

First Game

TALK ‘N TEXT 105—Rosser 19, Alas 14, Castro 14, Fonacier 11, Reyes R.J. 10, Washington 9, De Ocampo 7, Seigle 5, Aban 5, Carey 4, Reyes R. 3, Williams 2, Espiritu 2, Alapag 0.

BARAKO 76—Intal 16, Wilson 15, Miranda 9, Paredes 8, Marcelo 7, Lanete 7, Garcia 4, Salvador 4, Lastimosa 4, Matias 2, Holstein 0, Pena 0, Hubalde 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 23-19, 47-32, 76-52, 105-76