San Mig Coffee downs Barako Bull but Talk ’N Text holds on to lead with win vs Meralco

Game today:

Tubod, Lanao del Norte

6:30 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Air21

The Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters bounced back from a loss by beating the Meralco Bolts, 109-98, in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Ynarez Center in Antipolo City.

In the first game, the San Mig Coffee Mixers padded their winning streak to five with a 93-73 trampling of Barako Bull Energy Cola.

The Coffee Mixers momentarily tied the Texters at the top of the standings with a 7-2 (win-loss) record but the Texters, who lost to Barangay Ginebra the last time out,  regained solo leadership after pulling off the hard-earned win in yesterday’s main game.

The Coffee Mixers leaned on the dynamic duo of James Yap and Peter June Simon in sustaining their hot streak as the former fired 22 points and the latter scattering 20 markers.

San Mig Coffee barely escaped Barako Bull in its first meeting, 92-91, last Oct. 28—a game that ended in a controversial fashion after Rafi Reavis swatted Enrico Villanueva’s potential game-winning shot while the ball was on top of the rim. The league later clarified that what Reavis did was legal.

The Coffee Mixers made sure there wouldn’t be any more endgame drama as they pulled away in the second half after a tight battle in the first two quarters.

The loss spoiled Bong Ramos’ first game as a Barako Bull head coach. Ramos took over following the relief of Junel Baculi.

Barako Bull will have to play the remainder of the conference without big man Enrico Villanueva, who is expected to sit out for several months due to an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, Jason Castro led the Texters with 23 points, nine coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Kelly Williams played a huge role in the win as he chipped in 19 markers, most of which coming off jump shots. He also had six rebounds.

The game was played on even terms in the first three quarters but the Texters pulled away in the fourth, where they led by as many as 14, 105-91.