PBA: Talk ‘N Text forges playoff vs Ginebra for last quarterfinals spot

Jimmy Alapag of Talk N Text (light) vs LA Tenorio of Ginebra (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Talk ‘N Text kept its playoff hopes going following a 113-99 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Jimmy Alapag provided the knockout blows on three straight three-pointers in the final 3:41 of the game as the Tropang Texters set up a playoff for the final quarterfinals slot Monday.

“We needed it. At this point it’s win or go home for us,” said the veteran point guard Alapag, who finished with 15 points, 12 coming in the fourth quarter.

“From our end we had a much better effort at the defensive end. Gave us the opportunity to win,” said TNT head coach Norman Black. “Those were big threes that gave us separation. The good thing is we won, gives us a chance to live another day. We’ll play Ginebra again for less than 24 hours.”

It was just a three-point game before Alapag went on a tear.

Alapag, who also had four assists, completed a three-point play before burying three treys in a row as TNT stretched its lead back to 12, 107-95, with only 1:35 left.

The Gin Kings trailed by double-digits in the third quarter before going on a surge led by reigning MVP Mark Caguioa, who produced 29 points.

Aside from Alapag, the Texters also got a solid contribution from Harvey Carey, who registered 18 points and 11 rebounds while also trying to defend the Kings’ import Dior Lowhorn.

TNT import Courtney Fells had 26 points, which included an emphatic one-handed dunk that made it 97-91 just moments before Alapag’s and one conversion.

“It’s the team’s will to win this game and fight another day.”