(CNN Philippines) — When nothing else worked for Talk ‘N Text, Ranidel de Ocampo thought he had to take over.
And he did just that especially in the second overtime of Game 7 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals opposite Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
De Ocampo scored eight, including two tightly-contested three-pointers, of his career-best 34 points in the second extra period to put Talk ‘N Text on top for good despite repeated rallies by the resilient Elasto Painters.
His team went on to prevail in the series against Rain or Shine that had all the trappings of a classic, and bag the Commissioner’s Cup title with a rousing 121-119 win Wednesday (April 29).
Related: Talk ‘N Text wins Game 7 in double overtime, claims Commissioner’s Cup crown
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. Napatakbo at talon ako sa sobrang tuwa kasi matagal na kaming hindi nagcha-champion,” said De Ocampo in the aftermath of their conquest of Rain or Shine at the SMART-Araneta Colseum that went the distance.
It was the first Game 7 that needed two overtime periods to decide the winner as per PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Talk ‘N Text won its seventh franchise crown.
Tough task
De Ocampo admitted beating Rain or Shine in a series that saw altercations on and off the court was an uphill climb for the Tropang Texters.
Talk ‘N Text was actually ahead for the most part only to squander the lead in the regulation because of Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism’s 19-point outburst in the fourth period.
“Sobrang hirap talaga,” said the Talk ‘N Text forward, who was named Finals Most Valubale Player.
“Dun mo masasabi na ibang klase ang basketball sa atin. May mind games. Hindi nawawala yung init, yung laban hanggang sa labas ng dugout. Coaches at players nagkakainitian. Dun ko masasabing competitive yung dalawang teams.”
Photos: Talk ‘N Text vs Rain or Shine Game 7
How did Talk ‘N Text survive a grueling seven-game series against the rugged Rain or Shine?
De Ocampo cited their stinging defeat in the hands of San Miguel Beer in this year’s Philippine Cup semifinals as an important learning curve.
“Sa tingin ko medyo nakakuha kami ng aral dun sa last conference nung na-sweep kami ng SMB (San Miguel Beer). Natuto kami lalo yung mga rookies namin at mga bago naming like Jay Washington,” he explained.
“Malaking bagay na na-experience nila yun kasi marami silang natutunan at maganda nagging resulta ngayon.”
