Kudos to the C-Cimpel volunteers!

Talk N Text wore down Sta. Lucia Realty last night, 114-102, and installed itself as a prime candidate for one of two automatic semis berths in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Phone Pals used a 10-0 spurt in the dying minutes of the game to improve their record to 11-6 in a tie with Alaska Milk and Ginebra. The Realtors fell to 5-12 and possible elimination.

Talk N Text must win its last game in the elims against San Miguel on June 3 to remain in the hunt for one of two automatic semis berths in this import-spiced tournament.

“We can’t afford to drop this game and lose our chance. At least, we are assured of an outright quarterfinals berth, which is our immediate goal,” said Talk N Text coach Derrick Pumaren.

“We will only hope for the best in our remaining game,” he added after steering the Phone Pals to a fourth consecutive victory.

In the other game, San Miguel notched its eighth straight win at the expense of sister-team Ginebra, 101-98. The Beermen climbed to 9-7 in a tie with Air 21.

Dorian Peña played the import’s role for San Miguel, dishing out 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Sta. Lucia threatened at 97-100 when Talk N Text import JJ Sullinger ignited the decisive spurt. He went home with 35 points, six assists and five rebounds. 

After the elims, the top two teams get tickets to the semis while Nos. 3, 4 and 5 will move on to the quarterfinals. Teams No. 6, 7, 8 and 9 will dispute the last quarterfinal slot. The 10th team goes on vacation.