PBA IMAGES
Jayson Castro lorded over in the clutch and delivered Talk N’ Text to a 101-98 win over Rain or Shine in its opening game in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the scores tied at 98-98, Castro came off Moala Tautuaa’s pick and rose up from the top of the key to drill the three-pointer that would give the Katropa a 101-98 lead with 52.9 seconds remaining.
Castro then worked his magic in the defensive end, rejecting Paul Lee’s potential game-tying three with 35 seconds remaining.
“What happened there was all of Jayson’s diskarte,” said Talk N’ Text head coach Jong Uichico of Castro’s heroics. “At the end of the day it’s Jayson’s call. Siyempre diskarte ni Jayson yun.”
Castro’s heroics, though, did not come without hurdles as he was called with an unsportsmanlike foul on Gabe Norwood that sent the Rain or Shine forward to the free throw line, giving Rain or Shine the ensuing possession.
Norwood, however, missed his chances to cut the lead to just one.
Castro finished with a team-high 19 points to go along 10 assists, six rebounds, and two blocks for Talk N’ Text.
Mario Little came up with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double for Talk N’ Text while Asian import Michael Madanly added 17 points.
Dior Lowhorn lead the 0-1 Elasto Painters with 20 points and 10 rebounds while JR Quiñahan added 16 points.