Talk ‘N Text runs down Petron to keep finals hopes alive

PBA/Nuki Sabio

With its 103-94 victory over Petron, Talk ‘N Text remained alive in its push for a finals slot for the sixth consecutive performance.

Jimmy Alapag came through with a gutsy performance, bucking fever to finish with 21 points, while import Paul Harris led the way with 31 points and nine rebounds in the Tropang Texters victory Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Talk ‘N Text won their second semis game against one loss, keeping the door open for the team to win four of five matches, which comes with a berth for a playoff for the second finals seat.

“We’re still alive and we’re still breathing, but it’s still a one-miss-you-die situation for us,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes. “We’re shortening our sights and we’re focusing on going up against the league leaders on Monday.”

The Tropang Texters will go up against first place Rain or Shine in their next outing.

“They’re fighting for a finals berth while we’re fighting to stay alive,” said Reyes.

Against the ousted defending champion Petron, Talk ‘N Text played with more tenacity, outrebounding the Boosters, 47-35.

Playing with a sense of urgency, the Tropang Texters dictated the tempo of the game early on and led 49-38 at the half.

The Tropang Texters also took away the game of Petron Blaze import Marcus Faison, who was held scoreless in the second and fourth periods.

The scores:

Talk ‘N Text (103) – Harris 31, Alapag 21, De Ocampo 19, Castro 10, fonacier 8, Williams 7, Aguilar 4, Peek 3, Reyes 0, Aban 0, Alvarez 0.

Petron (94) – Lutz 23, Ildefonso 17, Faison 10, Santos 10, Washington 10, Cabagnot 9, Yeo 7, Lanete 4, Pena 4, Hontiveros 0.

Quarters: 28-19; 49-38; 70-72; 103-94

Follow @interaksyon