Texters beat Bolts, former coach Norman Black

MANILA, Philippines -- Talk n Text managed to get past Meralco, 80-72, Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome and gave its former coach Norman Black its second loss in the 2014 PBA Phillipine Cup.

The Tropang Texters pulled away from a tight 69-68 count through the efforts of Gilas stars Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro along with rookie Matt Rosser-Ganuelas.

The Tropang Texters moved to solo fourth with their fourth win against two losses and are trailing behind the unbeaten Alaska Aces (5-0) and joint second placers the San Miguel Beermen (4-1) and the Ginebra Kings (4-1).

It was the first meeting between the sister teams since Black and Jong Uichico swapped places.

Black's familiarity with Talk n Text helped the Bolts in the early goings as they limited the usually prolific Castro to just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

But Castro scored when it mattered most while Harvey Carey provided a big lift pulling down 14 huge rebounds that came with seven points and two shot blocks. 

Only Gilas player Gary David was able to hit in double figures for Meralco with 17 points, all in the first three quarters.

The Bolts slid to 3-2.