Bowles helps Mixers beat Texters for first win

Denzel Bowles of San Mig Coffee takes a jump shot against Keith Benson of Talk ‘N Text during their Sunday night game in PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines—Denzel Bowles put up 29 points and 23 rebounds as San Mig Coffee notched its first win at the expense of Talk ‘N Text, 90-82, Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bowles rebounded from a sub-par play against Rain or Shine with 14 points in the fourth quarter, seven in the final three minutes to fend off the Texters’ comeback bid.

“We have to realize that the game is hard. It’s not how we fall down but how we get up,” said head coach Tim Cone.

“For us to come back and for Denzel play like he did, he inspired us tonight with big shots.”

The game appeared to be slipping away from the Mixers after the Texters led, 66-58, late in the third period.

But a strong fourth quarter anchored by Bowles’ solid play on both ends got San Mig Coffee back.

Bowles’ inside basket off an assist from Mark Barroca capped off a 9-0 run by the Mixers for a 77-71 lead with 6:07 remaining.

TNT made the most of its trip at the line to stay within striking distance with import Keith Benson and Ryan Reyes making both of their free throws to pull their team to within one, 78-79, with still 3:32 remaining.

The Mixers responded with a three-point play from Bowles to gain separation before sealing the win at the defensive end by stopping a drive by Jayson Castro which led to a basket by Marc Pingris.

PJ Simon scored 13 points, Pingris had 12 while Devance added 11 to help the Mixers barge into the win column after four tries.

“Just real proud of my guys, they beat a quality team in Talk ‘N Text.”

TNT, which drew 18 points from Castro, fell to 2-2.

Hobbled by an injury and foul trouble, James Yap scored just six points in 17 minutes.