Talk ‘N Text holds on, takes 2-1 lead over Purefoods

Alex Mallari (Purefoods) and Jay Washington (Talk N’ Text). PBA IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines—Talk ‘N Text held on against Purefoods, 111-107, to take the pivotal third game and a 2-1 series lead in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Thursday evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With their shooting as hot as summer, the Texters banked on an incredible shooting display from deep, going 19-of-32 to put the pressure on Purefoods.

And pressure they did, with their ridiculous offense fueling their stingy defense.

Jayson Castro hit the dagger three with 1:16 remaining in the fourth to put the Texters up 111-103.

Purefoods, however, tried to come back as they cut the deficit to four, 111-107, with Denzel Bowles fading away in the post at the 38.4 mark.

Bowles, however, had the blunder of the night when he stepped out of bounds at the 8.3-second mark with Texters Johnson and Larry Fonacier hounding him in the left corner.

Texters head coach Jong Uichico said “both teams were trying their best” and that they were just on the right side of the ledger.

“We were fortunate enough to come out as the winners, but it’s just another game,” Uichico said. “We will try our very best to win.”

“Purefoods has been there for a long time, all games are tough against Purefoods.”

Jayson Castro was waxing hot from rainbow country that he shot 8-of-9 in three-pointers alone, including seven straight which got him to third all-time in most three-pointers made consecutively.

“Jayson is Jayson, if he doesn’t score points, he evolves into his assisting game,” Uichico said.

Talk ‘N Text had an 11-point lead with 5:09 remaining in the game after an 11-4 rub with Johnson capping it off with a booming three from the top of the key.

Castro had a marvelous outing of 27 points, 10 assists, and three steals while Johnson had 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Texters.

Rarely used Aaron Aban had his share of the limelight with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting.

Bowles led all scorers with 39 points to go along with 13 rebounds but he couldn’t lift Purefoods to the victory.

PJ Simon, who was an integral part of Hotshots’ many rally attempts, added 18. RC

The scores:

TALK ‘N TEXT 111—Castro 27, Johnson 26, Aban 17, De Ocampo 14, Washington 10, Alas 9, Williams 6, Rosser 2, Fonacier 0

PUREFOODS 107—Bowles 39, Simon 18, Yap 11, Pingris 10, Devance 9, Barroca 8, Reavis 4, Mallari 4, Maliksi 4

Quarters: 32-33, 63-60, 89-80, 111-107