Tropang Texters hand Barako Bull first defeat in PBA

Game today
Dipolog City
5 p.m.- Purefoods vs. Rain or Shine

THE Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters bounced back from a previous loss while handing the Barako Bull Energy Colas their first defeat via an 80-75 decision yesterday in the 40th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jayson Castro spearheaded the Tropang Texters with 16 points and hit a pair of critical three-pointers in the closing minutes.

Talk ‘N Text thus tied its victim’s slate at 3-1 (win-loss) as Barako Bull finally lost after picking up three straight wins to start the tournament.

Talk ‘N Text vaunted offense was in full display as locals Matt Ganuelas-Rosser (15 points) Willie Miller (13), Ranidel De Ocampo (11) and Larry Fonacier (10) all scored in twin digits. Import Richard Howell finished with 11 points, 18 rebounds.

Talk ‘N Text detonated 11 three-point bombs, while the Energy Colas could only make three triples.

Solomon Alabi paced Barako Bull with 21 points, 24 rebounds and five blocks.

SALUD TO STEP DOWN

Meanwhile, league commissioner Chito Salud has decided to step down at the end of the season.

Though Salud has yet to formally announce his decision, he has already instructed his staff to break the news.

Salud, the league’s eighth commissioner,  will hold a press conference today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

No clear reason was given as to why   Salud came up with the decision but there were reports that  he is set to enter politics.

Salud became the league commissioner in 2010 and under his watch, the number of participating teams increased to 12.

BOX SCORES
TALK ‘N TEXT (80)- Castro 16, Rosser 15, Miller 15, De Ocampo 11, Howell 11, Fonacier 10, Alas 4, Washington 0, Carey 0, Reyes 0.
BARAKO BULL (75)- Alabi 21, Lastimosa 16, Pascual 12, Garcia 8, Intal 7, Lanete 5, Wilson 4, Marcelo 2, Chua 0, Salvador 0, Hubalde 0, Salva 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 25-19; 47-37; 62-59; 80-75.