JC Intal of Barako (light) vs Larry Fonacier of Talk N Text (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—After an inspiring three-game win streak, the Barako Bull Energy lost steam as they succumbed to the pressure of the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters, 80-75, in their Friday night showdown of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Barako forward JC Intal had two chances at the rim with seconds to spare in the fourth to tie the game at 79 but his layups found the nether regions of the court.
TNT point guard Jayson Castro nailed a booming three-pointer in the clutch that made it 79-75 for the Texters and ultimately halt the Energy’s three-game win streak.
Texters head coach Jong Uichico wasn’t shy when he admitted that his team was not on the level he wanted to start the conference.
“No, we still need to get better,” Uichico said as his team notched a 3-1 record, same as Barako’s. “We had a good first half, but I don’t think we had a good second half. We just escaped with the win.”
Larry Fonacier calmly shot one from the deep end with two minutes remaining in the fourth to put the Texters up 76-70.
Castro paced Talk N’ Text with 16 points while PBA returnee Willie Miller added 13 points.
Barako import Sol Alabi led Barako with a ridiculous 21-point 23-rebound double-double.
Quarter scores:
TALK ‘N TEXT (80)—Castro 16, Rosser 15, Miller 15, De Ocampo 11, Howell 11, Fonacier 10, Alas 4, Washington 0, Carey 0, Reyes 0
BARAKO BULL (75)—Alabi 21, Lastimosa 16, Pascual 12, Garcia 8, Intal 7, Lanete 5, Wilson 4, Marcelo 2, Chua 0, Salvador 0, Hubalde 0, Salva 0
Quarterscores: 25-19; 47-37; 62-59; 80-75