MANILA, Philippines - Title-holder Talk n Text showed its champion heart in a highly physical and emotional duel as the Texters repulsed the Alaska Milk Aces, 93-79, to take the 2-1 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the MOA Arena in Pasay last night.
The Texters seized control on a key spurt in the second quarter and held on as they kept their poise, composure and resiliency in the heat of the battle in the second half.
Passing a test of character in Game Three, the Texters have a chance to move in the threshold of a third straight all-Filipino finals in Game Four tomorrow in the same venue.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine tries to push San Mig Coffee to the wall, going for a three-game-to-one lead in their own semis series also at MOA tonight.
Game time is at 6:45 p.m. with the E-Painters enjoying the momentum and much positive vibes following their Christmas Day massacre of the Mixers.
Elbows flew all over the floor and hard fouls were given here and there but the Texters stayed focused and pulled through to regain the upper hand in the series.
“We just have to keep playing and try not to lose our focus. It’s gonna be a long series, very competitive, very physical and we just have to be ready for it,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.
“I thought our defense was much better today. Kelly (Williams) stepped up and played a big game for us,” Black also said.
Williams played his best game in the series, coming through with 23 points and nine rebounds in the game marred by the ejection of Calvin Abueva and Cyrus Baguio on flagrant fouls.
A total of five flagrant infractions were called, including one in a hard collision between Sonny Thoss and Jarred Dillinger sparking a heated commotion in the third quarter.
Gabby Espinas got involved in the drama, causing his outright banishment from the floor – a call later corrected by the referees, allowing the player to be back on the floor a little later.
The 6-foot-4 forward, however, didn’t finish the game just the same, fouling out late in the game.
The Texters fought with a resolute defense and a balanced game as they avenged their 88-100 defeat in Game Two.
Larry Fonacier, who was 0-of-7 from beyond the arc in the first two games, found his range, collecting 21 points while Ranidel de Ocampo added 12.
Fonacier knocked in two of two three-pointers to spike his 11-point binge in the second quarter, leading Talk n Text to a 39-34 lead at the half.
The Texters shifted their game to higher gear in the final half, enjoying couples of 16-point spreads.
Fonacier scored eight straight points in a 12-to-nothing run TnT uncorked to race ahead, 32-25, midway through the second period.
Williams was also at the forefront of TnT’s bid in the first half, matching his 13-point output in Game Two just in the first 19 minutes of this setto.
The Express attacked the post as they took control in the early goings, leading 19-14 at the end of the opening quarter.