Texters finish strong vs Elite

MANILA, Philippines - The TNT Tropang Texters sprang back to life in the second half, unleashing two vicious runs from a five-point deficit to ward off the Blackwater Elite, 109-98, and inch closer to the post-elims play in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Tropang Texters zoomed ahead, 72-61, on a 16-to-nothing romp from 56-61 down, then followed it up with a 10-2 opening attack in the fourth quarter to pull away, 88-70, before eventually notching their fourth win against two losses.

The Texters battered the Elite badly, 32-9, in a 12-minute stretch in the second half, and went on to deal Blackwater a fifth loss against a lone win.

“I just asked them (the Texters) why we couldn’t defend? And I think they did a better job defending in the second half,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico of his words during their halftime huddle.

With a poor defensive effort, the Texters yielded 50 big points and trailed by one at the half.

“They (the Elite) still finished with 98 points but that’s not indicative of the total effort of our guys. We played better defense in the second half,” said Uichico.

Defensive stops keyed decisive transition attacks by Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, Larry Fonacier, Moala Tautuaa and Harvey Carey in the second half.

Castro top scored with 26 points while top rookies Tautuaa and Rosario combined for 33 markers and 18 boards as the Texters bounced back from a loss to the NLEX Road Warriors the last time out.

“The rookies are getting better. They’re more comfortable playing together. Hopefully, we’re able to fast track all the adjustments they need to make in pro play,” said Uichico.

“If we get to the playoffs and we will need help from our rookies. They need to be a part of the whole scheme whether in rebounding, defense and getting to know their niche in the team,” Uichico also said.

Later in the night, Greg Slaughter sustained his overpowering performance while Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio broke out of personal slumps as Barangay Ginebra whipped Globalport, 85-70, to barge into the Top Six with a third straight win and a 4-3 overall record.

Slaughter once again piled up huge double-double numbers with 22 points and 21 rebounds while Caguioa and Tenorio delivered 22 and 18 markers, respectively, as they held their own against highly touted Globalport guards Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle.

“It’s a first real good one we’ve got,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone of their best game in the tourney thus far.

“That’s (the Batang Pier) a team that is going to be a beast. I’m glad we got them early and played them now,” Cone also said.