(CNN Philippines) — Jayson Castro took matters into his own hands in the dying minutes to help Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters dethrone Purefoods Star Hotshots in Game 4, 79-66, and claim the other finals berth of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday (April 11).
Castro followed up his 27-point Game 3 performance with a dazzling career high-tying 33 points to go with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
During the final stretch, the Asia’s top point guard sizzled with 13 points including three three-pointers. He capped it off with layup in transition that turned the tight game into a breakaway, 74-63.
“He lifted us up, sunod-sunod yung mga puntos niya sa final minute,” Talk ’N Text coach Jong Uichico said of his prized ward. “He just makes things easier for the team. He’s a big problem for the other team.”
Import Ivan Johsnon had 15 points, while Jay Washington and Ranidel de Ocampo added 12 points apiece for Texters.
It was a revenge of sorts for the Tropang Texters, who were beaten by the same team in the finals of the mid-conference last season.
After falling short last season, they will have the chance to hoist the championship trophy this time but only if they beat an in-form Rain or Shine Elasto Painters led by Paul Lee.
The best-of-seven finals will start on Wednesday (April 15) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Purefoods was paced by import Denzel Bowles, who finished with 14 points on a paltry 3-of-14 shooting from the field.
Mark Barroca and Joe Devance added 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
The scores:
TALK N’ TEXT 79 – Castro 33, Johnson 15, Washington 12, De Ocampo 12, Fonacier 4, Rosser 2, Alas 1, Williams 0, Aban 0.
PUREFOODS 66 – Bowles 14, Barroca 12, Devance 10, Pingris 8, Simon 6, Melton 5, Mallari 5, Reavis 2, Yap 2, Maliksi 2, Pennisi 0.
Quarters: 18-16, 28-38, 45-48, 79-66
