Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Gilas Pilipinas opened the inaugural MVP Cup with a 93-77 drubbing of an undermanned Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Friday (September 11).
Terrence Romeo continued to strut his offensive repertoire and sizzled with 22 points built on four conversions from beyond the arc for the national team.
“Nakukuha ko yung kumpyansa sa teammates ko. Lumuluwang depensa sakin kasi magagaling sila,” said Romeo, who also had five assists.
“Basta focus ako every game. Hindi ko naman kailangan laging umiskor ako. Basta kung ano lang ibibigay ng depensa sa akin.”
After a sluggish first half, Gilas shifted into high gear and took a 19-point spread on JC Intal’s three-pointer with 46 seconds left in the third period, 69-50.
As if that wasn’t enough, the national team continued to step on the gas and built an 83-63 middle of the fourth quarter.
But the depleted Tropang Texters, whose key players Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser are suiting up for Gilas, retaliated.
Larry Fonacier paced TNT with 20 points, while 2015 top PBA draft pick Moala Tautuaa contributed 16 markers.
Talk ‘N Text got to as close as 83-72 on Tautuaa’s three-point play with 2:53 left.
But back-to-back three-pointers by Romeo foiled Talk ‘N Text’s comeback hopes.
Castro showcased his all-around game with 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in only 19 minutes of play for the national team.
The four-team pocket tournament that will be played at the Big Dome until Sunday is part of the buildup of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.
Earlier, the Wellington Saints blasted Chinese-Taipei, 108-80, behind the prolific play of Brook Ruscoe and Ray Turner who combined for 50 points and 16 rebounds.
Gilas will face the Saints on Saturday (Septemeber 12) at 5 p.m.
