(CNN Philippines) — Import Denzel Bowles did almost everything for the Purefoods Star Hotshots, who put the stranglehold on the Game 1 win over Talk ‘N Text in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday (April 1).
The 6-foot-9 reinforcement dropped 28 of his total output 49 points after two quarters that gave the Hotshots a sizeable lead that never relinquished despite the Tropang Texters’ second-half outburst.
Read: Bowles drops 49 as Purefoods beats Talk ‘N Text for 1-0 lead
Curiously, Bowles seemed always at his best when up against Talk ‘N Text, the team they beat in the 2012 mid-season conference finals.
Their elimination round encounter that needed three extra periods to decide the winner also saw him go berserk, not to mention that he made the off-balanced game-winner.
“I don’t know if it’s Talk ‘N Text or not but I just got in a rhythm early,” said Bowles, who also collared 10 rebounds with five assists and two blocks.
“I have no clue. I just had that tunnel-vision mode a couple of shots went in and I just took advantage of it. Tonight was just my night.”
But as much as Bowles has been a beast, Purefoods coach Tim Cone expressed some concerns.
“We can’t go too reliant with Denzel,” said Cone. “We have to figure out a way to get ourselves more involved.”
Still, he will take this victory that gave Purefoods a 1-0 upperhand in the best-of-five series heading into the break.
Purefoods and Talk ‘N Text slug it out again in Game 2 on Monday (April 6).
