NO import, no problem.
Talk ‘N Text showed that playing all Filipino isn’t necessarily a handicap as it dominated for the most part and quashed a late-game rally by Blackwater to take a 108-102 victory in the opening game of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to begin its title defense on a positive note.
Tropang Texters’ superstar Jayson Castro once again showed the way for his squad by scoring 19 of his team-high 22 points in the first half to set the tone for Talk ‘N Text before scoring his last three on a crucial three-pointer that proved to be the marginal basket with less than a minute remaining in the contest.
In his first game back from injury, Talk ‘N Text star Ranidel De Ocampo didn’t show any signs of rust as he quickly resumed his role of leader, helping the Tropang Texters by adding 20 points of his own, along with four rebounds and three assists.
Despite playing without import Ivan Johnson, who sat out to serve a one-game suspension for being involved in an altercation with some of Blackwater’s big men in the pre-season, the Tropang Texters still managed to show everyone why they are the defending champions and one of the teams to beat.
“Buti nakalusot ng walang import,’’ said Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico. “Credit to the players. Lumaban pa rin sila kahit walang import. We’re still adjusting and I hope we can get better.’’
Led by its two stars, Talk ‘N Text kept Blackwater at bay for the entirety of the game, despite a resistance from the Elite towards the end, as its methodical ways paid dividends.
A few minutes into the third quarter, Talk ‘N Text opened up its first double-digit lead of the game, 55-44, after two free throws from Kelly Williams.
By the end of the third, they still held an 11-point lead, 83-72.
The largest lead for the Texters was 14 points and that occurred twice with over nine minutes left in the game.
At that point, it seemed that Talk ‘N Text was headed for an easy finish but Blackwater had one last hoorah to threaten towards the end.
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Mahindra vs. GlobalPort
7 p.m. – Ginebra vs. NLEX