Import Mitchell leads Texters to OT win

Games today:

Ynares Center, Antipolo City

3:45 p.m.- Globalport vs. Rain or Shine

6:00 p.m.- San Mig Coffee vs. Air21

MINUS SEVERAL key players, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters turned to their high-scoring import Tony Mitchell and new recruit Sean Anthony to chalk up a 118-113 overtime win over the Barako Bull Energy Colas last night in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mitchell and Anthony provided the scoring punch for the Texters, who played without national team players Jayson Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel De Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag. The four were given a break after a tough grind in the recent Fiba Asia Championships, where the Philippines placed second to Iran.

Talk ‘N Text was also without the injured Harvey Carey.

Mitchel erupted for 48 points, while Anthony, an acquisition in a three-way trade in the conference-break, contributed 23 points, eight rebounds, fives steals and two assists.

Ryan Reyes was also a key factor in the big win after he chipped in 19 points. Pointguard Jai Reyes debuted with the Texters with 11 markers.

Michael Singletary also had a big night for the Energy Colas, firing a team-high 41 markers. But he was slowed down by leg cramps in the crucial moments of the game.

Barako Bull actually dominated Talk ‘N Text early in the game, pouncing on the Texters’ depleted lineup to erect double-digit leads in the first half.

TRILLO BLASTS TRADE

Meanwhile, the Energy Colas pulled off another trade, sending shooter Allein Maliksi to the San Mig Coffee Mixers in favor of Wesley Gonzales and Chris Pacana.

Barako Bull previously traded Doug Kramer to the Petron Blaze Boosters and got Dorian Peña in return.

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo blasted the recent trade in his Twitter account.

“Best Barako talent Maliksi for bench players Gonzales and Pacana? Are you kidding me? Maliksi is the best player on that Barako team,” wrote Trillo. “Am I bitter? No I’m not just impressed at how teams find ways to strengthen their lineups, quite shocked at Barako’s trades. Sad,” Trillo added.