Talk ‘N Text holds off Alaska, nabs No. 2 seed

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Cyrus Baguio of Alaska (light) vs Kelly Williams of Talk N Text (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text withstood a late Alaska fightback to win, 101-93, and assure itself of the No. 2 spot in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters ended up having similar slates with defending champion Purefoods and Rain or Shine at 8-3 but owning the second-best quotient among the three got them in second place with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

“That’s what’s important for us – to try and get the twice-to-beat advantage rather than play in a series,” said Talk ‘N Text head coach Jong Uichico.

TNT import Ivan Johnson made 9-of-14 from long range and wound up with 47 points that went with 10 rebounds.

The Elasto Painters had already locked up the top seeding following a 119-99 rout of the Kia Carnival earlier.

Alaska faced a 69-44 deficit in the third quarter but refused to go down without a fight as the Aces pulled to within seven after a drive by Calvin Abueva with 6:16 left.

But Ranidel de Ocampo hit a 3-pointer and Johnson made a reverse layup to extend the Texters lead back to 12, 84-72, with 5:08 remaining.

De Ocampo had 20 points and eight rebounds while Jayson Castro flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, six rebounds and 11 assists.

The Aces welcomed back their star guard JVee Casio from a broken nose but dropped to 4-6.