A depleted lineup appeared to have finally caught up with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters as they succumbed to a blowout 96-131 loss to the Powerade Tigers last night in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Missing several key players, the Texters couldn’t put up a decent fight, allowing the Tigers to dominate the contest from start to finish.
The Texters, who continued to miss the services of injured players Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Aaron Aban, Jared Dillinger and Ali Peek, went into the game winning their last six games and were hoping to cement their hold of the solo lead.
Having depleted lineup proved too much to overcome this time and ended up tasting their second defeat in 10 games. The Texters still lead the standings although they are now just half game ahead of the second placers Petron Blaze Boosters, who are 8-3 (win-loss).
The win, meanwhile, bolstered the Tigers’s playoff drive as they tightened their hold of eighth place with a 5-7 record.
Gary David paced the Tigers with 27 points, while Kelly Williams topped the Texters with 18 markers.
BOX SCORES
POWERADE (131)- David 27, Lassiter 19, Anthony 17, Casio 14, Kramer 13, Adducul 10, Cruz 9, Crisano 7, Vanlandingham 6, Antonio 4, Martinez 3, Lingganay 2, Allera 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT (96)- Williams 18, Castro 15, Carey 15, Oreta 14, Fonacier 12, Aguilar 9, Weinstein 7, Gamalinda 6, Raymundo 0, Membrere 0, Alvarez 0, De Ocampo 0, Lao 0.