Talk ‘N Text rides tough defense to win over B-MEG

PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

In a rematch of last conference’s finalists, Talk ‘N Text gave B-MEG a dose of their own medicine with some tough defense and coasted to a surprisingly easy 89-72 triumph in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

Aaron Aban made life difficult for James Yap early, while Ryan Reyes finished the job, hounding the two-time MVP in the fourth quarter.

Yap was held scoreless in both the first and fourth periods and his struggles took its toll on his team’s offense. The Commissioner’s Cup finals MVP finished with just nine points on 2-for-18 shooting from the field.

“The key was the defense of Aaron Aban and Ryan Reyes on James Yap,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes. “But overall, we played with an all-out mentality, that’s why we’re pushing until the end because there’s a situation where there can be six teams which will end up 5-4.”

With the victory, Talk ‘N Text climbed into a tie with B-MEG for the second spot with identical 5-3 records.

But the Tropang Texters are in for a tough test in their next game – the league-leading Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

“We have to be ready for Rain or Shine on Sunday,” added Reyes.

The usually offensive-minded Talk ‘N Text five buckled down on defense against the Llamados, a team known for their fine defensive work.

No player from the Tropang Texters scored more than 16 with Larry Fonacier leading the way with 16 built around 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo each scored 15 markers while import Paul Harris had only 14, but scored 10 during the pivotal fourth quarter.

Harris and Fonacier combined for 21 of the 26 points scored by the Tropang Texters in the final period as they kept the rallying Llamados at bay with crucial baskets.

The scores:

Talk ‘N Text (89) – Fonacier 16, Castro 15, De Ocampo 15, Harris 14, Williams 11, Alapag 9, Aguilar 4, Reyes 3, Aban 2, Gamalinda 0, Peek 0.

B-MEG (72) – Blakely 19, Urbiztondo 14, Yap 9, Reavis 8, De Ocampo 6, Barroca 4, Intal 4, Villanueva 4, Pingris 4, Simon 0.

Quarters: 22-10, 41-27, 63-53, 89-72

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