Talk ‘N Text cruises to easy victory over Rain or Shine

Not even the absence of their top pointguard could slow down the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, who trampled the erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 120-108, last night in the 36th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jason Castro filled the slack left by the injured Jimmy Alapag, firing a team-high-tying 22 points as the Grand Slam-seeking Texters pocketed their second victory in as many starts.

Maurice Baker also scored 22 points while four other Talk ‘N Text locals ended up scoring in double figures, allowing the Texters to chalk up another win after starting the tournament with  a 101-75 routing of the Alaska Aces.

Ranidel de Ocampo scored 17 points, Ryan Reyes tallied 13, while Larry Fonacier and Ali Peek donated 11 each for the Texters.

Talk ‘N Text trailed by as many as eight points in the first quarter but seized control in the next period, where they built a huge 22-point barrier, 70-48. The Texters eventually closed the first half with a 70-52 lead and went on cruise control from that point on.

The Painters had some runs in the final quarter but the best they could do was to move to within 10 in the closing minutes of the game.

Arizona Red finished with a game-high 23 points but it wasn’t enough to lift the Painters, who absorbed their first loss after a 2-0 start.

Larry Rodriguez added 16 points, Gabe Norwood scored 14, while Ryan Araña donated 12.