Texters overpower listless Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Coming off a loss the last time out and bracing for a big battle in its next game, Talk n Text made short work of Powerade, 108-89, last night in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters played heads-up game throughout and led by as many as 32 before cruising to their fourth victory in five games.

“We faced a team that loves to run and we love to run. It was right down our alley. It boiled down to who have more horses,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“We brought our track shoes as we expected a track meet. It’s a good preparation as we face the tough Alaska team next,” Reyes said.

Talk n Text outplayed and outhustled Powerade, outscoring the Tigers, 46-26, on layups and tip-ins and, 72-34, in points at the paint.

“What was most impressive was that even when we’re up by 20, we’re winning the 50-50 balls (possession that could go either way). That’s crucial,” said Reyes.

Big men Kelly Williams and Ali Peek both produced double-double numbers for the Texters who bounced back strong from a 93-95 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last week.

Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier and Jared Dillinger contributed at least 10 points each as the Texters hardly felt the absence of injured off-guard Ryan Reyes, making it 9-0 over the Tigers in their personal battle dating back to 2008.

It’s a second straight blowout loss for the Tigers following a 94-119 massacre by the San Miguel Beermen in Panabo City Saturday.

The Tigers, who fell to 2-3, were into the game only in the first period, fading away as the Texters stepped on the gas in the middle quarters.

Peek, who came through with 18 points and 10 rebounds, banged away a one-handed fall-away shot, giving the Texters their biggest lead, 88-56, with two minutes left in the third.

That’s actually the largest margin posted by any team in the season, surpassing the 30-point lead Barangay Ginebra enjoyed over Derby Ace in a 93-82 romp Sunday.

“It looked easy because we prevented them from making their shots. They’re No. 2 in the league on second-chance points before the game. Offensively, we got our points on fastbreaks,” said Reyes.

“We could’ve scored 100 points right in the third quarter if not for our free-throw misses,” Reyes added.

The Texters converted more than 50 percent of their shots and dominated the boards, 30-21, as they took the half at 30-21.

The scores:

Talk n Text 108 – Williams 21, Peek 18, Alapag 16, Fonacier 12, Dillinger 10, Yee 8, Castro 8, Aban 7, Carey 6, Alvarez 2, Telan 0.

Powerade 89 – David 17, Antonio 17, Espino 15, Ritualo 15, Laure 11, Rizada 4, Reyes J. 3, Macapagal 3, Reyes R. 2, Lanete 2, Calimag 0, Gonzales 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarterscores: 27-25, 58-43, 94-63, 108-89