Import Samhan logs 20 points, 20 rebounds to lead Talk ‘N Text to victory over Meralco

Omar Samhan tallied a 20-20 game in his first outing on Philippine soil but was far from being satisfied with his performance as the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters started their campaign in the 37th PBA Fiesta Cup with a 102-96 overtime win over the Meralco Bolts last night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The 6-foot-11 Samhan tallied 24 points, 20 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Texters’ flying start after ruling the previous conference.

Samhan, however, wasn’t pleased with his performance, rating himself a 3 from a scale of 1 to 10.

“I didn’t play well. I can have a 40-40 game,” said Samhan.

The Texters had to rally in the endgame to pull off the win. They lost an 89-85 lead in the final 2:19 of regulation and allowed the Bolts to go up, 90-89, with 1:30 left.

Talk ‘N Text stopped the bleeding and regained the lead, 92-90, before Chris Ross knotted the score at 92-all with five seconds left.

Talk ‘N Text had the chance to win it in regulation, but Ranidel De Ocampo missed a running shot at the buzzer that sent the game to an extra five-minute session.

Reynel Hugnatan opened the overtime period with a basket, but the game was tied once again on Samhan’s two free throws.

The Bolts moved up again on Ross’ jumpshot in the 2:23 mark but that proved to be their last stand as they failed to score from that point on.

The loss spoiled Ross’ brilliant game as he scattered 19 points, 12 assists and five steals.