Defensive-minded Talk ‘N Text holds off Barako Bull for 5-0 start

MANILA, Philippines—Talk ‘N Text couldn’t buy a bucket late as Barako Bull closed in for a potential upset.

Fortunately for the Tropang Texters, their defense held on for a 79-76 squeaker in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It was a very difficult game for us. Coach Junel Baculi did a good job in coming up with a sound gameplan,” said TNT head coach Norman Black, whose squad remained as the only unbeaten team with a 5-0 record.

The Texters established an 11-point lead, 72-61, on back-to-back baskets by Ali Peek in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter.

But the Energy Cola fought back, as they went on an 11-0 run, nine of which from  Doug Kramer that knotted the count at 72, with 7:37 left.

“We came up with enough defensive stops to win,” said Black, who steered Ateneo to its fifth straight UAAP title, a fitting end to his celebrated coaching career with the Blue Eagles, early this month.

Aside from TNT’s defense, Jayson Castro also came through for his team. Castro buried an open triple off a kick out pass from a penetrating Jimmy Alapag for the game-clinching points with 1:27 left.

Castro led his team with 15 points while Larry Fonacier added 13 points.

The Energy Cola had a slew of chances but just couldn’t convert. Mick Pennisi threw a bad pass for a turnover, Roger Yap misfired on a three while Josh Urbiztondo airballed Barako Bull’s last attempt to forge extra session.

“When our offense isn’t clicking at least we could rely on our defense,” added Black.

Forward Kelly Williams and off-guard Ryan Reyes ended TNT’s drought but Barako tied the game anew at 76, after an inside basket by Enrico Villanueva at the 3:59 mark.

Villanueva shot a game-high 16 points on top of seven rebounds.

The Energy Cola fell to 2-3.