TNT’s Jason Castro winner of PBA 2013 Philippine Cup Player of the Conference. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Jayson Castro’s late game heroics buoyed Talk N’ Text to a 101-98 squeaker of a win over Barako Bull Saturday night at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi, Albay.
Castro accounted for the Texters’ last seven points after a 94-all deadlock in the final two and half minutes, helping to arrest his squad’s two-game losing skid.
Castro finished with 18 points along with Larry Fonaciers, but Rabel Al-Hussain topscored with 19 after missing just two shots from the field.
Donnell Harvey finished with eight points on his return with the Texters, who improved to 3-3.
While Castro kept Talk N’ Text in the lead, the Energy took turns in trying to steal the game from the jaws of defeat.
Barako Bull’s last gasp was a triple from Mark Macapagal, which could’ve sent the game into overtime, did not count as he released it after the buzzer.
Veterans Mick Pennisi and Danny Seigle carried the scoring cudgles with 19 and 18 points, respectively, as Barako Bull dropped to 3-4.
The scores:
TALK N’ TEXT 101 – Al-Hussaini 19, Fonacier 18, Castro 18, Alapag 12, De Ocampo 11, Harvey 8, Williams 8, Reyes 3, Carey 2, Aban 2, Dillinger 0, Raymundo 0.
BARAKO 98 – Pennisi 19, Seigle 18, Urbiztondo 14, Brock 14, Anthony 12, Macapagal 9, Villanueva 7, Kramer 2, Intal 2, Maliksi 1, Duncil 0, Weinstein 0.
Quarters: 30-32, 61-51, 81-78, 101-98