KELLY Williams of Talk ‘N Text collars the rebound against Doug Kramer (left) and Rico Villanueva of Barako Bull. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Jason Castro hit the marginal three-pointer to lead Talk ‘N Text to a low-scoring, 79-76 victory over Barako Bull that kept the Tropang Texters undefeated in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The triple at the final 1:27 mark was Castro’s only basket in the fourth period and eventually secured for the Texters their fifth straight win.
Barako Bull had several chances to tie after that Castro conversion, but the Energy bungled them all, with Josh Urbiztondo capping a poor shooting night by throwing up an airball for the potential game-tying trey.
The Energy dropped to 2-3 although Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black praised Barako Bull for keeping the game close and almost stealing it in the end.
“I think coach Junel (Baculi of Barako Bull) did a great job of scouting us and coming up with a sound game plan against us,” said Black.
Meanwhile, Petron Blaze addressed its coaching situation by putting newly appointed head coach Olsen Racela in full command of the squad, a source revealed yesterday.
Before the move, Racela and assistant Rajko Toroman shared coaching duties.
The source added it is unlikely Toroman will stay on the Petron bench when the Boosters face Globalport tomorrow.
Rain or Shine rallied from 16 points down at the start of the fourth period to nip San Mig Coffee, 80-79, in the second game.
Jeff Chan completed a four-point play and Beau Belga nailed a triple with 1:50 left, completing the comeback from 50-66 for the Painters, who improved to 4-1.
San Mig took a second straight loss and dropped to 2-2 overall.
The scores:
First Game
TALK ‘N TEXT 79—Castro 15, Fonacier 13, Peek 10, De Ocampo 9, Reyes 8, Williams 7, Alapag 6, Gamalinda 4, Carey 3, Dillinger 2, Ferriols 2.
BARAKO 76—Villanueva 16, Kramer 15, Anthony 12, Tubid 12, Ballesteros 6, Pennisi 6, Najorda 5, Urbiztondo 2, Yap 2, Cervantes 0.
Quarters: 17-18, 46-45, 68-61, 79-76
Second Game
RAIN OR SHINE 80—Chan 22, Cruz 10, Norwood 9, Quiñahan 9, Belga 7, Rodriguez 7, Tang 5, Araña 5, Jaime 4, Ibañes 2, Matias 0.
SANMIG COFFEE 79—Yap 28, Simon 17, Ramos 9, Reavis 8, Gonzales 7, De Ocampo 4, Gaco 2, Barroca 2, Villanueva 2.
Quarters: 17-26, 31-40, 50-66, 80-79