Talk ’N Text takes pivotal 3-2 lead

One more win and Talk ’N Text will be back in the Finals as the Tropang Texters survived a late push by the Alaska Aces to post a 99-95 victory last night in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Texters now lead the series, 3-2, and will try to close out the Aces when they meet again in Game 6 slated Jan. 4. The other series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will resume on Jan. 3. The Painters also lead that series, 3-2.
Talk ’N Text started slow and stared at a 2-10 deficit. But it got going offensively and knotted the score at 22-all after one quarter of play.
It was in the second period where the Texters seized control of the match, outscoring the Aces, 35-23, for a 55-43 lead at the turn.
CRUCIAL TURNOVER
The Texters led by as many as 16 points in the third before repeated rallies by the Aces made the game close.
Alaska came within three, 95-98, in the final 12 seconds but rookie Calvin Abueva committed a crucial turnover after losing the ball while driving to the basket.
Both teams showed a balanced attack with seven Texters scoring double figures led by the 15-point production of Ryan Reyes.
Abueva led six other Aces in double figures with a game-high  19 markers and 11 rebounds.
BOX SCORES
TALK N’ TEXT (99)- Reyes 15, De Ocampo 13, Fonacier 12, Dillinger 11, Alapag 11, Williams 10, Carey 10, Castro 9, Peek 8, Raymundo 0, Aban 0.
ALASKA (95)- Abueva 19, Baguio 14, Espinas 13, Baracael 12, Jazul 11, Thoss 10, Casio 8, Hontiveros 6, Belasco 2, Reyes 0, Dela Cruz 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 20-20, 55-43, 79-71, 99-95.