Top-seeded Talk ’N Text routs Barako Bull in Game 2 to even semifinal series at 1-all

Game today:

Araneta Coliseum

6:45 p.m.- B-Meg vs Ginebra

A team as good as Talk ’N Text wouldn’t be down for too long.

The Tropang Texters quickly bounced back from their Game 1 debacle with a masterful 123-98 conquest of the Barako Bull Energy in Game 2 of their 37th PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal series yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Talk ’N Text import Donnel Harvey was badly outplayed by his counterpart in the team’s 77-84 Game 1 loss but redeemed himself in the series-tying victory by tallying a game-high 24 points. He scored just nine points in the series-opener.

The Texters also got a huge lift from Fil-Am Kelly Williams, who finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

Williams was actually a doubltful starter after he sustained a deep cut just below the left eye following a collision with Ronald Tubid in the first quarter of Game 1. The 6-foot-7 cager failed to finish that game as he was taken to Medical City.

Game 2 was again full of physical plays.

The Energy gave up 44 free throws and paid dearly for it as the Texters converted 29 free shots.

“We have to fight. If it means literally, so be it,” said Talk ’N Text head coach Chot Reyes.

Harvey sustained a bloodied nose early in the game while Jared Dillinger was ejected in the third quarter following an altercation with Leo Najorda.

Gabe Freeman finished with a team-high 20 for Barako Bull.