Unscathed Pals slay Dragons

Talk n Text cruised to an easy victory over Welcoat, hardly encountering any trouble in a Friday the 13th duel at the Cuneta Astrodome where the lights went out at endgame.

The Phone Pals clobbered the Dragons, 115-99, for a third straight victory that enhanced their billing as among chief contenders for the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup crown.

"I was a bit scared we’re playing an inferior team on a Friday the 13th. I was worried we may be upset. But we gave their (Dragons) confidence back as we relaxed a bit in the second half," said Talk n Text coach Derrick Pumaren.

With the Dragons reducing a 25-point deficit to 10 early in the fourth, Pumaren was forced to recall his first stringers to finish off their rivals, nailing a third win in as many outings following early victories over the Purefoods Chunkee Giants and the Alaska Milk Aces.

Starters Harvey Carey, Renren Ritualo, Jay Washington and Asi Taulava all scored at least 16 points with Jimmy Alapag contributing eight assists, seven points, three rebounds and one steal.

Ritualo, who logged 20 points, four assists and two rebounds, fired a three-pointer off a timeout, and the Pals picked up the momentum again after the Dragons came within 10 at 76-86.

The Dragons traded baskets with the Pals in the fourth period before fading away for good, absorbing another defeat after stunning the Coca-Cola Tigers the last time out.

"I was wary of them that’s why I kept on telling the boys we can’t take them for granted. For one, they gained confidence in beating Coca-Cola," said Pumaren.

The Dragons trimmed the gap to 18 at the end of the third quarter on a buzzer-beating trey by Junjun Cabatu.

Welcoat then banked on back-to-back triples by Denver Lopez to close a 10-2 run that pushed them within 10 at 76-86.

Lopez, a three-year pro, went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc and finished with a new career best 21 points.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Basketball Association will play in a new venue — the San Juan Arena — holding a special Saturday twinbill today pitting Sta. Lucia Realty against Alaska Milk and Purefoods versus Air21.

Coca-Cola had its breakout game in the season, pulling off a 105-86 upset of Red Bull in the second game.