Talk ’N Text ousts struggling Globalport, ends own slump

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Petron vs. Barako Bull

6:30 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. Meralco

The Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters arrested a two-game slide by nailing a 94-84 win over the slumping Globalport Batang Pier last night in their out-of-town encounter of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night in Iloilo City.

In ending their slide, the Texters likewise showed the exit door to the Batang Pier, who formally bowed out of contention with their ninth straight defeat and 10th overall against only two victories.

Jimmy Alapag hit two three-pointers in the closing minutes of the game to stop Globalport’s mini run that saw the Batang Pier  move to within just four points, 82-86,  after being down by as many as 18 points.

Alapag’s three at the 3:29 mark of the fourth stopped Globalport’s 7-0 run and in turn ignited an 8-0 run that sealed the win for Talk ‘N Text.

Ryan Reyes was adjudged the game’s best performer with 24 points as the Texters evened their record at 6-6 (win-loss) to tie the San Mig Coffee Mixers for the sixth to seventh places.

MBENGA DEBUTS

Meanwhile, former Los Angeles Lakers center DJ Mbenga marks his debut on Philippine soil when the beleaguered Barako Bull Energy Colas tangle with the Petron Blaze Boosters in the first game of today’s twinbill at the Araneta Coliseum.

The hulking Mbenga, who won a couple of titles with the Lakers, will try to inject some life in Barako Bull’s sagging playoff campaign.

The Energy Colas are currently out of the playoff picture as they occupy the ninth place with four wins and seven losses.

Tournament format states that the number 10 and nine squads after the elimination round will be booted out.

A win today will allow Barako Bull to tie the Air21 Express (5-7) at eighth spot.

Petron, for its part, is looking to arrest a three-game skid.

The Boosters are currently tied with the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Meralco Bolts for the third to fifth spots with similar 6-5 records.