Texters a win from Finals; Gin Kings turn back Aces
MANILA—Scottie Reynolds scattered 37 points to power Talk ‘N Text to a 101-89 victory over B-Meg Friday night that ousted the Llamados in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Coming into just his third game averaging 18 points a night, Reynolds sizzled with a conference-high nine triple conversions as the Texters rose to 8-3 overall and moved within one more victory of a Finals appearance.
The second leading scorer all-time for Villanova University—just 29 points behind former NBA star Kerry Kittles—Reynolds scored 21 points in the first half alone.
B-Meg bowed out of with a 5-6 record, but not after chopping down an 18-point third quarter TNT lead to just four early in the fourth period.
“I’m just trying to help the team win,” Reynolds told reporters later. “They don’t need me to come out every night and score 37 points. But tonight, that’s what they needed.”
In the second game, Barangay Ginebra drew another strong effort from Mark Caguioa, who had 26 points, to hold off Alaska, 81-77.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine tries to stay alive today when the Elasto Painters, fresh from an upset of the Texters, battle Petron Blaze in a Phoenix Fuel-presented road game in Digos, Davao del Sur.
The Boosters will try to improve their 6-4 card and avenge an ugly, 83-113 loss to the Painters in the eliminations.
Jason Castro chipped in with 15 points and Kelly Williams added 12 for the Texters, who are seeking to complete just the league’s fifth Grand Slam.
James Yap led the Llamados with 18 points, 12 of them coming in the third period. But import Myron Allen was held to just 12 in 37 minutes as the Talk ‘N Text defense shackled the B-Meg guns all night.
The scores:
TALK ‘N TEXT 101—Reynolds 37, Castro 15, Williams 12, Fonacier 8, Carey 8, Peek 7, Reyes 5, Alapag 5, Dillinger 4, Aban 0, Lao 0.
B-MEG 89—Yap J. 18, Pingris 15, Allado 14, Allen 12, Devance 9, Simon 8, Urbiztondo 5, Reavis 4, Gaco 4, Fernandez 0, Adducul 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 51-37, 76-67, 101-89
Second Game
GINEBRA 81—Caguioa 26, Sloan 21, Helterbrand 8, Wilson J. 6, Intal 4, Wilson W. 4, Tubid 4, Mamaril 4, Cortez 2, Menk 2, De Ocampo 0.
ALASKA 77—Thoss 24, Tenorio 16, Forte 14, Custodio 6, Cablay 5, Gonzales 4, Dela Cruz 4, Eman 2, Reyes 2, Borboran 0.
Quarters: 19-17, 38-37, 63-60, 81-77
