The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters led from start to defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-92, and drew first blood in their best-of-seven championship showdown of the 40th PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ranidel de Ocampo led a balanced attack for the Tropang Texters after finishing with 24 points, going seven-for-13 from field and hitting 10 of his 11 attempts from the free throw line. Game 2 will be played on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum. Import Ivan Johnson pitched in 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while Jayson Castro piled up 14 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The loss ended Rain or Shine seven-game win streak, while Talk ‘N Text continued its dominance over the Elasto Painters. It was
Talk ‘N Text’s eighth straight win over the Elasto Painters spanning four conferences.