Talk 'n Text Defeats Rain or Shine In Their 2nd Meeting In PBA Season 37 Philippine Cup

Written By: Ms. Kristina Caramel Sy

The Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters (TNT) are still on the top spot of the Standings after they thrashed Rain or Shine (ROS) for the 2nd time in the PBA Season 37. The game was held at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro. The overall story of this game revolves around the heroics of Jayson Castro. He carried TNT in the latter part of this game. He was forced to do that because Ranidel De Ocampo went down with cramps in Overtime because of dehydration. Castro finished the game with 21 points. He was the one who retrieved the lead for TNT as he locked the overtime match, 106-104, using a Jack Knife Shot over Gabe Norwood.

Going on into the game, TNT started the 1st quarter with back-to-back 3-pointers from Fonacier and Castro. But, the E-painters recovered from their 8 point deficit by having an 18-2 run that enabled them to get the lead, 16-24. The run was led by the former King Tiger, Jervy Cruz. The E-painters retained the lead til the 3rd quarter.

But TNT became aggressive in the 4th quarter. They were striving to tie the score in the 4th quarter. The 4th quarter started with Kelly Williams making his free throws and Ranidel De Ocampo making 5 straight points that made the score tied at 80 a piece. Although the time is running out during the last quarter, having 91 points for both teams with 60 secs. remaining in the ball game, Paul Lee still found his track as he succesfully sank a crucial 2 pointer with 16.7 secs. still remaining in the 4th Quarter.

On the time pressure situation, Jayson Castro did not allow his defender to stop his momentum as he successfully attacked the rim with all his might. His 2 point basket swang back the lead to them. He was also able to force an Overtime.

In the extra 5 mins. of the ball game, Talk n Text already spotted their range and Castro stretched their lead to 102-99 which made the ROS struggle to tie the ball game.

But thankfully, Jeff Chan, who didn't play in the entire regulation, fired his successful critical 3 pointer that tied the score with 6 secs. left in the ball game, 104-104. But, the Blurr, Jayson Castro made his final 2 point shot via a leaning tear drop with 1.8 remaining on the clock sealed the win for TNT.

That concluded Rain or Shine's 3rd loss. They are now tied with the Petron Blaze Boosters in the standings. TNT meanwhile continues to reign at the top.

Here are the scores from PBA.PH:

TALK N' TEXT 106 - De Ocampo 27, Castro 21, Williams 12, Aguilar 12, Dillinger 11, Carey 9, Fonacier 7, Gamalinda 4,Weinstein 3, Raymundo 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 104 - Cruz 16, Arana 15, Belga 13, Chan 13, Buenafe 12, Lee 11, Rodriguez 9, Quinahan 8, Norwood 4, Ibanes 3, Matias 0.

Quarters: 24-30, 45-48, 70-74, 93, 106-104