AFTER trailing three-fourths of the way, TNT Katropa woke up just in time to remain immaculate.
Talk ‘N Text kept its unblemished record intact after a key fourth-quarter run propelled it to a 101-95 topping of NLEX–its fourth straight win in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
The burly showing continued for Jayson Castro as the superstar spitfire once again spearheaded his team’s ascent, scoring a team-high 23 points along with seven rebounds and eight assists as he flirted with a triple-double.
Troy Rosario, who likewise had a splendid game, tallied a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, and completed a go-ahead three-point play off a jumpshot with 1:11 remaining to give Talk ‘N Text a 95-93 edge.
The two teams exchanged baskets in the next two possessions, pushing the tally to 97-95, still in favor of the Texters.
Mario Little, despite a mediocre game, knocked down the insurance basket for Talk ‘N Text, hitting a huge triple in the left corner from an assist by Castro with 24 seconds left to shut the door on NLEX and help his team list another victory.
The win pushed TNT Katropa to a clean 4-0 start for solo first place.
On the other hand, the loss was critical for the slumping Road Warriors as it fell further down to 1-3 in the bottom half after this third straight setback.
Still down, 65-74, with over 11 minutes left in the contest, Talk ‘N Text suddenly found its groove and clawed its way back.
It detonated a 20-7 run that gave it a 85-81 lead after a Kelly Williams’ jumper with less than seven minutes remaining.
The two squads then ended up exchanging punches before Talk ‘N Text got the better of NLEX, which was in control through the first three quarters only to fade in the fourth where it got outscored, 36-24 by the Texters.
Henry Walker led all scorers with his 26 points for NLEX.
The league takes a week off as the All-Star festivities will be conducted starting tomorrow until Sunday. Action resumes on Aug. 10.
The scores:
TNT KATROPA 101—Castro 23, Rosario 20, Little 18, Madanly 10, Rosales 8, Williams 7, De Ocampo 6, Reyes R. 5, Seigle 2, Tautuaa 2, Nuyles 0, Carey 0.
NLEX 95—Walker 26, Taulava 14, Anthony 12, Villanueva J. 12, Baracael 10, Khobuntin 9, Akl 7, Arboleda 3, Villanueva E. 2, Lanete 0, Monfort 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 18-21, 44-48, 65-71, 101-95