Tropang Texters wrest top spot
ARWIND Santos of San Miguel Beer tries to steal the ball from PJ Simon of Purefoods in last night’s match. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Talk N’ Text rode the hot shooting of Ranidel de Ocampo to repulse Globalport, 96-88, and seize top spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup before a big Sunday crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
De Ocampo sizzled for 25 points, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc as he joined forces with import Ivan Johnson in carrying the Texters to their sixth win in eight outings.
The 6-foot-7 Johnson dished out monster numbers, tallying 35 points and 20 boards to win his duel with Globalport counterpart Calvin Warner, who was held to 19 points.
Later, James Yap knocked in eight of his 15 points in overtime as Purefoods Star outlasted San Miguel, 113-105.
Bothered by a sprained knee the past week, Yap regained his fiery form just in time to help the Hotshots finish off the stubborn Beermen who rallied from 17 points down in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
Marcio Lassiter was at the forefront of the San Miguel fightback with 13 of his 21 in the final period. But he faded in overtime and the rest of the Beermen crumbled under pressure, losing for the sixth time in seven games.
Yap, who missed winning the game in regulation with a long triple attempt, nailed a couple of treys and found Marc Pingris for an undergoal stab that extended the lead 100-92 with 44 seconds remaining.
“Luckily the guys started to focus before overtime and James had his big moments just like what he has done in his career,” said Purefoods coach Tim Cone.
Purefoods reinforcement Denzel Bowles carried much of the fight in the first three quarters, pouring 30 of his 35 points and Cone said the import is still adjusting in terms of fitness.
The Tropang Texters pulled away in the third period, using a 10-0 run to establish a 67-55 bubble behind baskets from Johnson and De Ocampo.
“It’s a good comeback despite losing to KIA,” said Texters coach Jong Uichico. “Our good defense translated to our offense and the effort was there for 48 minutes.”
The scores:
First Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 96—Johnson 35, De Ocampo 25, Rosser 13, Fonacier 8, Castro 5, Washington 4, Carey 4, Alas 2, Reyes R.J. 0, Seigle 0, Aban 0.
GLOBALPORT 88—Romeo 20, Warner 19, Pringle 16, Jensen 10, Semerad 8, Miranda 4, Buenafe 4, Isip 4, Ponferrada 3, Caperal 0, Pinto 0, Nabong 0, Taha 0.
Quarters: 24-24, 49-46, 74-69, 96-88
Second Game
PUREFOODS 113—Bowles 35, Mallari 17, Pingris 15, Yap 15, Simon 9, Barroca 9, Devance 6, Maliksi 4, Taha 3, Melton 0, Reavis 0, Pennisi 0.
SAN MIGUEL 105—Reid 23, Lassiter 21, Ross 15, Fajardo 14, Lutz 11, Kramer 8, Cabagnot 7, Santos 3, Reyes 2, Semerad 1, Tubid 0.
Quarters: 15-22, 42-39, 76-66, 98-98, 113-105
