Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters shifted into high gear in the fourth quarter to thwart Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 107-92, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday (March 30).
Both teams are tied at fourth spot with identical 5-4 win-loss record.
“We needed this win as bad as they needed it. (Dikit ang laban), sa fourth quarter lang nagkatalo,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico.
[Translation: We needed this win as bad as they needed it. (It was a close match), the fourth quarter served as the clincher.]
It was a back-and-forth game. In fact, the scores were tied at 73-all after three quarters.
But the Tropang Texters seized control after a couple of stops early in the fourth period that led to seven straight points by import David Simon.
It was followed by a Troy Rosario three-pointer and a Kelly Williams layup that gave Talk ‘N Text a 93-80 buffer.
Two minutes later, Rosario and Jayson Castro put the game away with back-to-back triples for the Tropang Texters, who led by as much as 17.
Simon led Talk ‘N Text with 30 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.
Rosario added 22 markers built on five three-pointers.
Ginebra was paced by Othyus Jeffers, who pretty much did everything with 29 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block.
