Texters, Mixers turn back rivals

MERALCO’S Sol Mercado eyes the basket while a fallen Jason Castro of Talk ‘ Text watches helplessly during last night’s match at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

TWO TEAMS waiting for vital cogs to join them after fulfilling obligations elsewhere went different ways yesterday.

Defending champion Talk ‘N Text felt relief more than anything else after Jason Castro knocked in two free throws in the last 14.5 seconds to rescue the Tropang Texters, who blew a 24-point lead before holding off hard-fighting Meralco in overtime, 112-110, last night in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Castro finished with 16 points, five of them in the extra period including the crucial charities off a foul from Ronjay Buenafe and a three-pointer a few seconds earlier that put the Tropang Texters ahead, 108-105.

“It was the feeling of relief,” said Nash Racela, who is the interim head coach for Talk ‘N Text while Norman Black fulfills his UAAP duties at Ateneo. “We won the game. That’s our objective. To win regardless of anything.”

Black will join Talk ‘N Text after the Ateneo-UST UAAP Finals.

In the second game, San Mig Coffee was scorching from the field in the first half and then coasted the rest of the way as it whipped Alaska, 103-83.

The Aces are also waiting on No. 2 overall pick Calvin Abueva, who will join the squad after finishing his collegiate career with San Sebastian College in the NCAA.

Jared Dillinger led Talk ‘N Text with 20 points, nailing a long jumper for a 110-106 lead.

But Meralco fought back, drawing a triple from Sol Mercado and a free throw from Buenafe after Talk ’N Text was slapped with a technical foul for improper bench decorum to tie the score at 110-all 14.5 seconds to go.

But Castro broke the deadlock with his charities and Mercado failed to force another extension as time expired.

Yancy de Ocampo presided over the Mixers’ masterful win with 22 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

“It was nice to see somebody win the Best Player of the Games aside from James (Yap) all the time,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone.

Yap did score 20 points even after cooling off in the fourth, going scoreless there.

The scores:

First Game

TALK N’ TEXT 112—Dillinger 20, Castro 16, Reyes 12, Williams 11, De Ocampo 11, Carey 11, Peek 10, Raymundo 8, Gonacier 8, Gamalinda 5.

MERALCO 110—Reyes 25, Mercado 20, Hodge 19, Buenafe 18, Salvacion 8, Ross 7, Cardona 7, Hugnatan 6, Belencion 0, Sharma 0.

Quarters: 33-20, 53-43, 86-64, 99-99 (reg.), 112-110 (OT)

Second Game

SAN MIG COFFEE 103—De Ocampo 22, Yap 20, Barroca 16, Simon 16, Ramos 6, Villanueva 6, Pingris 5, Gonzales 4, Reavis 4, Gaco 2, Devance 2, Ponferada 0, Pacana 0.

ALASKA 83—Hontiveros 14, Baguio 13, Baracael 12, Espinas 12, Dela Cruz 8, Cablay 7, Reyes 6, Thoss 6, Casio 3, Eman 2, Belasco 0.

Quarters: 34-25, 57-42, 75-56, 103-83