TnT trips Barako Bull in tight duel for fifth win in row

MANILA, Philippines - Jason Castro tossed in a three-pointer with 1:27 left, giving Talk N Text a 79-76 victory over Barako Bull in a tight game that kept the Tropang Texters perfect after five games in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters made only a single basket in the last six minutes of play and leaned on defensive stops to win the low-scoring game – the lowest in the season – and preserve their unbeaten run under coach Norman Black.

“Coach Junel (Baculi) did a good job scouting us. They came out with a sound game plan. Good for us, we got the defensive stops in the end,” said Black.

The two teams scored only 26 points together in the fourth quarter with the Texters holding the Energy Cola scoreless in the last 3:56 of play to chalk up victory No. 5.

Castro shattered the game’s eighth and last deadlock with a triple and the Texters held on to deal the Energy Cola a third loss against two wins.

Up against Rain or Shine next, Black said they have to play better if they’re to notch a sixth straight win.

“If we play sound defense, we have a good chance,” said Black, maintaining they’re still in the process of getting the right blend offensively.

Castro finished with 15 points to top score for the Texters in this tight defensive game marked by 23 lead changes.

Larry Fonacier and Ali Peek were the only Texters who wound up in double figures with 13 and 10, respectively.

Kelly Williams drained a short jumper coming off the bench then Ryan Reyes took a steal and scored on a breakaway layup as Talk n Text regained the lead at 76-72.

Jeff Chan came through with a rare four-point play then Beau Belga banged away a trey to spike Rain or Shine’s incredible fightback from the depth of  18-point deficits, nipping San Mig Coffee, 80-79, in the second game.

“It would rank one of my weirdest wins of all time. We played ugly basketball but still won the game. It’s beyond analysis and assessment,” said RoS coach Yeng Guiao after they got away with a fourth win in five starts.

Rico Villanueva led the losing team with 16 while Doug Kramer added 15, including nine consecutive markers forging a tie at 72 with 7:34 left to play.

Roger Yap broke down Talk n Text’ press for a drive-in basket then Villanueva scored on a post move off Williams to tie the count for the last time at 76.

The two teams then stepped up their defensive battle limiting TnT to a single field goal basket and Barako to none in the last four minutes of play.

After Castro broke the 76-all tie, Pennisi committed an error. Yap and Josh Urbiztondo missed a three-point attempt each.

Barako top gun Ronald Tubid struggled for 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting.