JASYON CASTRO fired 26 points, including five-of-six shooting from beyond the arc, as Talk ‘N Text waxed hot in the second half and crushed Blackwater, 109-98, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay scored nine of his game-high output in the fourth quarter and added six assists and four steals and the Tropang Texters grabbed a share of the No. 3 spot with sister team and tormentor NLEX with 4-2 win-loss record apiece.
Tied at 24-all with Carlo Lastimosa leading a balanced attack of the Elite to weather Moala Tautuaa’s eight-point explosion in the first quarter, Blackwater continued to dominate Talk ‘N Text in the first half and take a 39-33 lead midway through the second period.
But things got sour for the Elite as Castro, Larry Fonacier and veteran Harvey Carey combined for 17 points en route to a 78-68 cushion at the end of the third frame.
Talk ‘N Text showed no complacency as they surged for a 10-2 run early in the final period for a commanding 88-70 lead with 10 minutes left in the game.
“I asked them why we couldn’t defend, and I think they did a better job in the second half defending,” said Talk ‘N Text Head Coach Jong Uichico, whose team capitalized the Elite’s errors for a 25 turnover points.
“But they still scored 98 points. Hopefully we get to the playoffs and we need the two rookies be a big part, whether in rebounding, playing defense and getting to know their niche in the team,” Uichico added.
Coming off the bench, Troy Rosario proved his might as he tallied 17 points and eight rebounds, while Fonacier and Tautuaa added 16 apiece.
“Troy’s getting more comfortable of getting in pain, bu he’s very young, he can learn more things,” Uichico said.
JP Erram and Lastimosa led Blackwater with 18 points each, while rookie Art de la Cruz registered 13 markers and seven boards.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza