Steady Texters outgun Alaska

THE TALK ‘N TEXT Tropang Texters proved to be the steadier team down the stretch as they outlasted the Alaska Aces, 114-111, in overtime in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jayson Castro sizzled as he set a new career high of 33 points, five rebounds and four assists.  He capped off his evening by completing a three-point play that put the Texters on top for good, 109-108.
The win gave Talk ‘N Text a 2-1 (win-loss) record while Alaska dropped to 1-3.
Alaska had several chances to take the win but missed crucial free throws and shots down the stretch. Cebuano two guard Dondon Hontiveros, normally an unflappable free-throw shooter, missed a couple that would have given the Aces the lead.
After Kelly Williams split his charities for a 113-111 lead, JV Casio missed the equalizing lay-up. Texters forward Harvey Carey was then fouled but made only one of two to push their lead to three.
Casio had another shot at redeeming himself but muffed the potential game-tying try.
Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier ably supported Castro with 20 and 18 points, respectively.
Cebuano forward Aldrech Ramos led Alaska with a career-high of 20 points.
BOX SCORES:
Talk ‘N Text 114 – Castro 33, Alapag 20, Fonacier 18, Carey 15, Williams 7, Reyes 7, Poligrates 5, Peek 4, Anthony 3, Baclao 2, Celiz 0, Reyes 0.
Alaska 111 – Ramos 20, Thoss 16, Hontiveros 15, Abueva 14, Casio 13, Espinas 12, Baguio 10, Jazul 7, Dela Cruz 2, Eman 2, Avenido 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarterscores: 28-24, 50-48, 75-74, 103-103, 114-111. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio