Llamados survive Texters in series opener

CEBU, Philippines - The B-Meg Llamados turned to the endgame heroics of Peter June Simon to repulse the gritty Talk ’N Txt Tropang Texters, 88-82, in the opener of the of best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals series last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Simon, who shot a spectacular 9-of-11 from the field, finished with 18 points, including eight straight in a fiery uprising that pumped new life for B-Meg in the face of a spirited challenge by the Texters.

The Llamados took a 43-30 lead late in the second period, but the Texters launched a daring third-quarter fightback to wrest the driver's seat, 63-62, before making it 67-62 with just a minute gone by in the final period.

Then Simon came to B-Meg's rescue, hitting crucial baskets one after the other during a searing 15-2 rally that pulled the wards of coach Tim Cone ahead by eight, 77-69, at the final six-minute mark of the contest.

The Tropang Texters refused to roll down and just die with time winding down, but they threatened for the last time at 82-86 on a long triple by Jimmy Alapag with 44 seconds left to play.

After Denzel Bowles flubbed two free throws, the Tropang Texters had a chance to change the course of the match but Larry Fonacier missed a 3-point attempt that further spelled their doom. (FREEMAN)