Jayson Castro delivered another heroic act for Talk N’ Text, scoring the game-winning layup that towed the defending champions Tropang Texters to a pulsating, 81-79 win over the Barako Bull Energy last night in the quarterfinal round of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Castro who erupted for a career-high 32 points, capped his game-long brilliance by completing the marginal layup in the final 5.3 seconds.
The close win shoved the second seeded Texters to the semifinal round as they inched closer to defending their crown.
The Texters rallied from double-digit deficits then foiled the Energy’s comeback to seal their fifth straight semifinal appearance and sixth in the last eight conferences.
Five straight points by Castro gave the Texters a, 77-70 lead in the final 1:34
Willie Miller then took over for Barako Bull scoring five straight points that cut Talk N Text’s lead to just two, 77-79 with 37.8 seconds left.
Barako Bull regained possession after a Wynnie Arboleda steal and Miller completed an acrobatic layup that tied the contest at 79-all with 23.4 seconds to go.
Off a timeout, Talk N Text isolated Castro at the top of the key. The speedy guard melted the clock first with several dribbles before blowing by Dylan Ababou for the game-winning basket.
With no timeout left, Barako Bull failed to advance the ball that could saved them precious seconds. Worse, Arboleda struggled to control the leather at the backcourt and was forced to throw a long heave as time expired.
Mick Pennisi scored 16 points, while Miller added 15 for the eliminated Barako Bull.
BOX SCORES
TALK N’ TEXT (81)- Castro 32, Alapag 15, Williams 14, Aguilar 10, Carey 8, Fonacier 2, Dillinger 0, Reyes 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.
BARAKO (79)- Pennisi 16, Miller 15, Pena 12, Seigle 9, Allado 9, Ababou 6, Arboleda 6, Salvacion 3, Gatumbato 2, Artadi 1, Aquino 0, Najorda 0. QUARTERSCORES: 17-25, 30-44, 56-59, 81-79.