Castro powers Tropang Texters to victory over GlobalPort Batang Pier
Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
3:00 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Alaska
5:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. NLEX
Jayson Castro stood his ground against a dreaded backcourt duo as he powered the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters to a 107-96 win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier last night in the 41st PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Castro erupted for 24 points, 12 of them coming in the second period, where the Tropang Texters broke the game wide open to seal the crucial victory.
Derek Miranda of Talk ‘N Text shoots over Jonathan Uyloan of GlobalPort in yesterday’s PBA game at the Araneta Coliseum. (INQUIRER PHOTO)
It was Talk ‘N Text’s sixth win in 10 games, brightening its chances of securing a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal round.
The Batang Pier saw their four-game win streak snapped, finishing their elimination round campaign with seven wins and four losses. Despite the loss, Globalport is already assured of a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.
Castro added six assists, four rebounds, and three steals as he matched the solid performances of GlobalPort’s deadly tandem of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle, who scored 24 markers apiece.
Troy Rosario backed Castro with 19 markers.
Surviving the absence of top rookie Mo Tautuaa, who sat out due to back spasms, the Tropang Texters found themselves down by seven points after the opening period, 15-22.
Castro then sparked the telling second quarter rally that saw the Tropang Texters outscore the Batang Pier, 38-22, to erect 53-44 halftime lead.
THE SCORES
TALK ‘N TEXT (107)- Castro 25, Rosario 19, Aban 9, Carey 9, Fonacier 9, Seigle 9, Williams 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, R. Reyes 6, J. Reyes 5, Miranda 3, Rodriguez 0.
GLOBALPORT (96)- Pringle 24, Romeo 24, Yeo 14, Semerad 9, Jensen 8, Mamaril 6, Kramer 5, Maierhofer 4, Washington 2, Isip 0, Paniamogan 0, Pena 0, Uyloan 0, Sumang 0.