Moala Tautuaa goes hard to the hoop. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Talk ‘N Text shrugged off a rusty first half and clipped Blackwater, 109-98, Wednesday in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jayson Castro piloted the third quarter surge for the Tropang Texters, turning a 61-56 deficit to a 72-61 edge courtesy of a 16-0 tear and putting the game beyond Elite’s reach.
“I asked them why we couldn’t defend (in the first half) and I think they did a better job in the second half defending,” said coach Jong Uichico.
The Gilas standout had 26 points, nine coming from the payoff period, on a 5-of-6 shooting from threes, that went along with six assists to lead TNT, which improved to 4-2.
“Hopefully, we get to the playoffs and we need the two rookies to be a big part of our team, whether it be rebounding, defense, or getting to know their niche in the team,” said Uichico.
Troy Rosario added 17 markers and eight rebounds, while Mo Tautuaa got a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Tropang Texters.
Larry Fonacier also got 16 points even as Harvey Carey had 11 markers and 12 rebounds in the win.
JP Erram and Carlo Lastimosa spearheaded the losing cause for the Elite with 18 points each.
The scores:
TNT 109 – Castro 26, Rosario 17, Fonacier 16, Tautuaa 16, Crey 11, Rosser 8, Williams 6, Miranda 3, Aban 2, J. Reyes 2, Seigle 2, R. Reyes 0.
BLACKWATER 98 – Erram 18, Lastimosa 18, Dela Cruz 13, Cortez 11, Reyes 9, Ballesteros 8, Cervantes 8, Sena 7, Gamalinda 6, Canada 0, Vosotros 0.
Quarters: 24-24, 50-51, 78-68, 109-98.