Texters nip Energy on Reyes' late treys

MANILA, Philippines - Donnell Harvey came through with another huge double-double game and Ryan Reyes banged in two clutch triples at the finish as Talk n Text held off Barako Bull, 113-106, in overtime to stay in the lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Reyes, enduring an injury sustained towards the end of the Philippine Cup, fired back-to-back treys to shatter a 106-all count and eventually hand the Tropang Texters their fourth win in five games.

“Ryan is injured from last conference. He missed our first two games in this conference, and even when he started in the last two games, he’s way off any basketball shape. But he came out big tonight,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“He played great defense and had those two big three-pointers,” Reyes added.

Harvey collected 26 points and 22 rebounds in a follow-up to his 22-marker and 28-board performance against the Air21 Express Wednesday. Curiously, he ended up with a triple-double with 10 turnovers.

Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo also put in big numbers as the Texters bucked the absence of injured players Jason Castro and Ali Peek, dealing Barako its fourth loss against two wins.

“I’m glad we came out with a big effort this time even without Jason and Peek,” said Reyes.

The multi-titled Talk n Text mentor made special mention of their import.

“For someone who just came in and delivered those numbers, we’re very pleased,” said Reyes.

Barako Bull forced overtime play at 102 on a three-pointer by Willie Miller with two seconds left in regulation.

In the nightcap, Air21 notched its first-ever back-to-back victories as the Express nipped the Alaska Milk Aces, 88-85, to gain a piece of second place at 3-2.