Castro heroics send TnT to Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - Jason Castro erupted for a conference-best 32 points he capped with what has become a patented game-winning drive as Talk n Text came from behind to nip Barako Bull, 81-79, and clinch the first semifinals seat in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Castro scored on a strong drive to the basket against Dylan Ababou in the last five seconds as the Tropang Texters survived the Energy’s fierce challenge and advanced to the Final Four against the winner of the Petron-Rain or Shine quarters match-up.

“We kind of demoted Jason to play back-up in this game, and he just showed his value. It doesn’t matter to him whether he starts or not. It really doesn’t bother him. Tonight, he came off the bench but played his usual game and, in the end, won it for us,” said TnT coach Chot Reyes of Castro.

The fiery 5-10 guard torched Barako with 20 points in the final half, leading a Talk n Text turnaround from a so-so start that had the Texters trailing by as many as 16 in the second quarter.

Castro proved flawless in the payoff period, going 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, the last capping a decisive run that gave the Texters a six-point spread at 75-69 with 2:12 left to play.

Willie Miller, however, answered with his own endgame binge, sending the game to a thrilling finish with seven straight points that forged a 79-all count with 23.4 seconds remaining in the contest.

Talk n Text completed a come-from-behind win as Castro scored on the next play, leaving Barako with no more chance to set up a final play.

Wynne Arboleda missed a longshot from way, way out as Barako eventually yielded the game and took the exit in the tournament.

The Texters expressed a great relief as they were able to hurdle the Energy in their quarters match-up in one game.

“It was very important for us to win this game because we need a long rest before our next game. That’s our driving motivation – to get that rest,” said the Talk n Text coach.

“It was very hard because we had to play a measured game. We know we won’t last playing our usual (up-tempo) game. We had to preserve our gas for the second half,” Reyes added.

Even then, the Texters, who were coming off injuries, struggled at the finish with Jimmy Alapag suffering cramps in the home stretch.

Alapag, the 2010-11 MVP winner, contributed 15 points, two assists and one rebound as he returned from sickbay to help the Texters.

Meanwhile, Powerade fought with a gutsy determination and stunned B-Meg, 97-88, to force a sudden death in their own quarters showdown.

Gary David sizzled with 32 points in the first three quarters, Marcio Lassiter added 24 points while Doug Kramer contributed 13 rebounds and 10 points for the Tigers.

“Our players have no doubt in their minds that they can compete. We’ve forced a KO game and we’ll take our chances,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

The scores:

First Game:

Talk N Text 81 – Castro 32, Alapag 15, Williams 14, Aguilar 10, Carey 8, Fonacier 2, Dillinger 0, Reyes 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.

Barako 79 – Pennisi 16, Miller 15, Peña 12, Seigle 9, Allado 9, Ababou 6, Arboleda 6, Salvacion 3, Gatumbato 2, Artadi 1, Aquino 0, Najorda 0.

Quarterscores: 17-25, 30-44, 56-59, 81-79

Second Game

Powerade 97 – David 32, Lassiter 24, Kramer 10, Anthony 9, Casio 9, Vanlandingham 5, Adducul 5, Lingganay 3, Allera 0, Cruz 0, Crisano 0, Antonio 0.

B-Meg 88 – Yap J. 21, Simo 16, Pingris 13, Raymundo 10, Urbiztondo 8, Barroca 6, De Vance 6, Yap R. 6, Reavis 2.

Quarterscores: 27-21, 50-39, 79-71, 97-88