Talk ‘N Text thwarts Alaska; KIA pips pesky NLEX

NLEX import Kwame Alexander puts up a shot off Kyle Pascual of Kia in yesterday’s game at Ynares Arena in Antipolo. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

ANTIPOLO—Talk ‘N Text and KIA Motors pounded out similar tight victories last night to move up to the upper half of the standings in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at Ynares Center here.

The Tropang Texters hit five free throws inside the final 57 seconds to deal Alaska a first loss, 104-103.

In the first game, Hyram Bagatsing knocked down a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left that lifted the Carnival to a nail-biting 85-82 decision of NLEX.

Alaska import Romeo Travis muffed the potential game-winning running jumper at the buzzer for the Aces as the Tropang Texters, like the Carnival, climbed to 2-1.

The Aces dropped to 3-1 and out of the lead, leaving idle Barako Bull as the only unbeaten side in the conference with a 3-0 record. The Energy return to action on Sunday against the Meralco Bolts.

Ranidel de Ocampo came back from sick bay to shoot 13 points, while Asian import Sam Daghles dished out 12 assists to make up for another bad shooting night and help negate the absence of top point guard Jason Castro and Kevin Alas.

Steffphon Pettigrew tossed in 27 points and rookie Matt Ganuelas-Rosser had 17 for the Texters.

Travis led Alaska with 26 points.

JV Casio contributed 21, including an off-balanced triple with eight seconds remaining that had the Aces moving within what turned out to be the final score. It was also Casio who completed a steal off De Ocampo that gave Alaska that final chance to turn the game around with 4.6 ticks to go.

“We were just lucky. It could have gone either way,” Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico said. “Travis just missed it point-blank.”

That game-winning shot by Bagatsing actually snapped a long scoreless spell by the Carnival, who blew an 82-73 lead going into the last 3:58.

And the Carnival carved out the win even with 7-foot-1 import Hamady Ndiaye finishing with just six points and nine rebounds.

It was also to the Carnival’s credit that Asian import Jet Chang, a former member of the Taiwanese national team, scored all of his 15 points in the second half.

The scores:

KIA 85—Revilla 15, Cheng 15, Deutchman 10, Nuyles 10, Bagatsing 8, NDiaye 6, Thiele 6, Yee 5, Pascual 4, Pareno 4, Alvarez 2, Ighalo 0, Dehesa 0, Webb 0, Avenido 0.

NLEX 82—Alexandr 22, Taulava 17, Borboran 10, Cardona 8, E. Villanueva 6, Canaleta 5, J. Villanueva 4, Madanly 3, Lingganay Raymundo 0, H. Arboleda 0.

Quarters: 15-28; 36-50; 63-61; 85-82.

Second Game

TALK ‘N TEXT 104—Pettigrew 27, Rosser 17, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 12, Daghles 9, Williams 7, Washington 6, Carey 5, Miller 3, Seigle 3, Labagala 2.

ALASKA 103—Travis 26, Casio 21, Baguio 13, Banchero 11, Dela Rosa 9, Manuel 6, Eximiniano 6, Abueva 5, Hontiveros 2, Menk 2, Jazul 2, Thoss 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarters: 24-31, 53-49, 77-78, 104-103