Rosario, Seigle carry TNT past NLEX

MANILA, Philippines -- Rookie big man Troy Rosario came up huge while veteran Danny Seigle rediscovered his old form as they provided the 1-2 punch for the Talk n Text Tropang Texters to repulse the challenge of sister team NLEX Road Warriors in a close 90-88 win on Saturday to advance to the knockout stage of the 2015 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Quarterfinals. 

Rosario finished with 20 points built on 9-of-16 shooting, including a booming triple that gave TNT a seven-point separation, 88-81, inside the final three minutes enough to withstand NLEX's final surge.  Seigle, on the other hand, cleaned up a Jayson Castro miss that made it 90-84 for the Tropang Texters. He wound up with a personal conference-best 17 points. 

The Road Warriors battled their way back and came within two, 90-88, on Sean Anthony's split at the line following uncharacteristic two free throw misses by Castro. 

In the next play, Castro, who was held down to only 10 by NLEX defense, muffed a three-pointer giving the Road Warriors a chance to either tie the game with a basket or win it by a three-pointer.  

But with 2.2 seconds left, the Anthony was forced to attempt an out-of-balanced shot with Asi Taulava well-covered by Rosario around the basket.  It hit the rim but missed the target that made the Tropang Texters heave a sigh of relief. 

Talk n Text will meet Rain or Shine on Monday with the winner advancing to the semifinals against the second seed and defending champion San Miguel Beermen.