Texters derail tough Express for solo lead

Talk n Text got its act together in the fourth quarter and fended off the short-handed but fierce-fighting Air21 side, 112-101, in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Arena inside the Rizal Capitol compound in Pasig last night.

As in their game against the Coca-Cola Tigers Sunday, the Tropang Texters had anxious moments before pulling off the win that made them the early solo leaders in the season-opening all-Filipino tourney.

Stunned by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters also last Sunday, the Express reeled with a second straight loss, unable to keep a tough challenge to the finish minus four key players in Arwind Santos, Homer Se, Doug Kramer and JC Intal.

Santos and Se served a game suspension for their misconduct in the Air21-Rain or Shine game. Kramer missed the contest which fell on his wedding day with celebrity girlfriend Cheska Garcia where Intal served as best man.

The Tropang Texters took advantage as the Express slowed down in the payoff period, coming through with a telling 20-2 tear to pull off the come-from-behind victory.

Taking to heart their 18-point blowout by the Elasto Painters, the Express dominated the Texters early the contest, leading by as many as 15 in the first half.

They were still in control at 97-86 with eight minutes left in the contest before they lost steam, making only two points in the next four minutes of play.

The Texters had their first taste of the lead at 98-97 on two free throws by Jared Dillinger. They poured on the heat to open a seven-point margin at 106-99.

The Express led by as many as at 15, 38-23, in the first half following an attack capped by four straight points from Gary David.

Though minus two regular starters in Santos and Se, the Express started strong, enjoying a double-digit spread right in the first period at 21-9 on back-to-back three-pointers by Wynne Arboleda and Egay Billones.

The first nine points of Talk n Text all came courtesy of Dillinger. With the other Texters getting into the act, Talk n Text came within five at 16-21 at the end of the opening quarter.