Texters rout Energy, force rubbermatch
Game today:
Araneta Coliseum
6:45 p.m. – B-Meg vs. Ginebra
The Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters staved off elimination as they pounded the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 108-90, in Game 4 to tie the series at 2-2 in the semifinal round of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Texters leaned on their championship experience and gritty defense to deal the Boosters the loss and keep their dreams of a grandslam alive this season.
Typifying their intensity on the defensive end was the fact that Barako Bull’s undersized import Gabe Freeman was held down to just six points and spent most of the second half on the bench because of foul trouble.
Talk ’N Text seized the advantage for good in the third period. After leading by 11 at halftime, 53-42, the Texters’ offense sizzled in the third led by Ranidel de Ocampo, Kelly Williams, Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro, whohelped push their lead to a high of 29, 80-51.
Two layups by Castro, a floater by Bambam Gamalinda and a booming straight-away three-pointer by Williams punctuated a 9-0 run that just blew the winds out of the sails of the Energy Boosters, who were looking to finish off the defending champions.
De Ocampo led Talk ’N Text with 23 points, eight straight coming in the second canto that set the tone for the rout.
The former St. Francis of Assisi star also had seven rebounds, shot 7-of-9 from the field and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Four others scored in twin digits for the Texters as import Donnell Harvey, Castro and Jared Dillinger each had 12 points while Williams finished with 11.
The deciding Game 5 is set tomorrow at the same venue.
BOX SCORES:
TALK N’ TEXT 108 – De Ocampo 23, Harvey 12, Dillinger 12, Castro 12, Williams 11, Peek 8, Gamalinda 7, Fonacier 7, Aguilar 4, Carey 4, Raymundo 2, Reyes 2, Alvarez 2, Alapag 2.
BARAKO 90 – Seigle 20, Miller 10, Allado 10, Pennisi 9, Aquino 7, Najorda 7, Salvador 7, Tubid 7, Freeman 6, Gatumbato 5, Arboleda 2, Sorongon 0, Cervantes 0, Weinstein 0, Pena 0.
