Talk N Text too hot for Tanduay

Talk N Text jumped the gun on Tanduay and completed a one-sided 86-76 victory to practically assure itself of a slot in the PBA Governors Cup Magic Four at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Riding the momentum of stirring triumphs over league leader Sta. Lucia and the fierce-fighting Barangay Ginebra team, Talk N Text got off to a strong start and refused to relax, nailing another decisive win that enhanced its bid for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

With seven wins already and with four games left in their schedule, the Phone Pals now are a cinch to finish inside the top four at the end of the eliminations.

The Rhum Masters, meanwhile, became a top candidate for an early Christmas vacation as they fell deeper in the cellar on their seventh loss in nine outings. Two teams will move out of the competition after the elims.

Once again, Brandon Williams and Asi Taulava stood at the forefront of the Talk N Text onslaught, combining for 54 points and 33 rebounds. The two alone nearly matched the rebound output of the whole Tanduay team which snared only 38.

Williams, Taulava and their teammates outclassed the Eric Menk-less Tanduay team practically on all fronts in the game they dominated from start to finish.

The Phone Pals sat on a 40-22 cushion at halftime and protected double-digit leads the entire final half.