VICTORIAS – Talk n Text, saving its best for last, drubbed San Miguel Beer, 91-82, in Game One of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship showdown at the Victorias City Sports and Amusements Center here last night.
The TropangTexters played catch-up basketball most of the first three quarters before pouring all they’ve got in the payoff period, beating the Beermen in an expected furious battle to gain the head start in the dream title match.
Ryan Reyes dished out a solid game dedicated to a departed younger brother Allan Raymond, helping the Texters through in the Phoenix Fuel-sponsored Game One that drew a sell-out Negrense crowd.
Reyes, whose brother died in a car accident in the United States Wednesday, logged 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 26 minutes of action.
“All it means is a one-zero lead. It’s far from over. We’re ready to play as many games as necessary,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.
Jason Castro and Harvey Carey played well off the bench as they’ve been doing all tournament long, putting in 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Jarred Dillinger, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag made at least nine points each as the Texters fought tenaciously throughout, outlasting an SMB side slowed down by an injury to Jay Washington.
Washington, a man on a mission, spent much energy in the first half and could only play nine minutes in the final half due to cramps.
He sat out the entire third period, being attended to by the SMB physical therapist on the bench.
Nonetheless, the do-it-all SMB forward led the team with 14 points.
“Nagkatalo sa fourth quarter. We lost our poise and composure,” rued SMB coach Ato Agustin.
Agustin took out Washington for good with still 1:38 left to play and his team down by eight at 80-88.
A passing error by Alex Cabagnot to Dondon Hontiveros in the ensuing play all but settled the outcome of the game.
San Miguel opened two nine-point spreads in the second quarter but Talk n Text came through with a 9-2 closing run to narrow the gap to two, 44-46, at halftime.
Castro made eight points in the first half, including a twisting layup off Washington at the buzzer.
Ali Peek had his own buzzer-beater to close the third period ending at 68-67 with SMB still on top.
The Beermen also drew from their reserves with Seigle, Artadi and Yeo starring in an attack that gave SMB nine-point cushions at 42-33 and 44-35.
As expected, the two teams engaged in bruising action from the start.
Several hard fouls were thrown and the players had to be restrained early with game officials summoning team skippers Olsen Racela and Artadi at center court midway through the second period.
At the resumption of play, the crowd went roaring on thunderous two-handed jam each by Williams and Arwind Santos.