Talk N’ Text nabs win, holds Petron scoreless in OT

Donell Harvey vs Dorian Pena and Alex Cabagnot

MANILA, Philippines – Talk N’ Text held Petron scoreless in overtime and nabbed a “confidence boosting” 93-85 victory Friday in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From Jimmy Alapag’s massive triple with 2.7 seconds left which sent the game into overtime, the Texters went on a 11-0 run for their finishing kick.

“This is probably one of the best wins I’ve ever had in the PBA,” said head coach Norman Black, who’s squad is still unable to get a streak rolling this conference.

“I told the players, ‘guys we just need a win even if it’s just half a point’,” added Black. “We needed a confidence booster.”

The Texters showed unbelievable grit down the stretch, overcoming an 85-79 deficit with just under a minute left with big time triples from Ranidel De Ocampo and Alapag.

In overtime, the Texters pounced on costly turnovers by the Boosters for a 91-85 lead before Jayson Castro sliced through the defense to set the final score with 40 seconds left.

“Our defense won the game for us. Jimmy and Hason came out with big plays in the end,” Black said.

But even with the game already decided, Talk N’ Text still did not allow Petron to score in overtime — which was a first in history.

Donnell Harvey had a workmanlike effort for the Texters, who improved to 5-4, as he finished with a game-best 38 points and 17 rebounds.

Larry Fonacier added 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Alapag had 11 points and seven dimes.

Five Boosters finished in double digits, but failed to close out on the win despite a stellar shooting in the payoff period. Marcio Lassiter led with 18 points.