Jason Castro vs Jondan Salvador. PBA IMAGES by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Jason Castro scored 30 points while Ranidel De Ocampo knocked down a dagger trey as Talk N’ Text survived Global Port, 108-104, Friday in the 2012 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Castro scored four-straight markers to keep the Texters in the game, and then De Ocampo — after two straight tries — connected from top of the key with 9.2 seconds left which sealed the squad’s second victory.
“There was a lot of miscommunication in the plays because the players are still learning my system,” said coach Norman Black, who hasn’t officially assumed head coach position yet but called the shots.
Talk N’ Text already cruised to a 16-point edge towards the end of the third quarter, but quickly saw its lead trimmed down as Global Port mounted a run.
But it was Castro — who poured 11 markers in the fourth quarter — who kept the Texters in the game, turning a four-point deficit to a crucial 105-104 edge with two minutes left.
Though undefeated at 2-0, it hasn’t been a smooth sailing ride for the Texters so far — but Black assures it will be better in three weeks.
“I was calling plays that weren’t being executed, but we’ll be running smoothly in three to four weeks,” said Black, who only Thursday night steered Ateneo to a fifth straight title.
Ryan Reyes and Larry Fonacier added 19 points apiece for Talk N’ Text, which dealt Global Port its third straight defeat.
Willie Miller topscored with 22 points and even gave the Batang Pier the lead, 100-96, midway in the fourth period, while rookie Vic Manuel added 21 points.
Global Port played sans scoring star Gary David, but had amples upport for Rabeh Al-Hussaini who finished with 17 points after being benched in their last game.