TnT-QC captures first PBA juniors cage plum

Talk N Text-Quezon City went to Biboy Reyes and Kevin Erazo in time of trouble and the duo responded gallantly, guiding the Jr. Phone Pals to a 93-90 overtime victory over the FedEx-San Juan Jr. Express yesterday to win the inaugural championship of the Burlington-PBA Jr. Summer Basketball League.

And what a fitting ending it was.

The young warriors from both teams saved their best for last and most of them caught the attention of the few coaches and PBA officials who were on hand to witness the closely-fought match at the Araneta Coliseum.

Among those who drew interest were Biboy Reyes and Erazo, who labored hard in the middle quarters as the Jr. Phone Pals slowly clawed back from 14-points down although it took their combined efforts to save the team from the brink of defeat.

Reyes tied the game for the last time at 87 with 1:27 left in overtime then fed Erazo for a layup 24 seconds later as the Jr. Phone Pals took the lead for good.

League MVP Ryan Christopher Monteclaro scored 25 points and drew the most attention with his variety of moves but went on an empty tank when the Jr. Express needed a big lift.

Among those who showed up for the afternoon match were PBA commissioner Noli Eala, TNT Governor Ricky Vargas, and TNT player Bong Ravena and Coke coach Chot Reyes, who came to support their kids.

TNT-QC head coach Blue Dandan shuffled his starting five hoping to take a good headstart but nearly paid dearly for it.

The Jr. Express exploited the absence of Biboy Reyes in the first quarter and managed to built a comfortable 33-19 advantage early in the second period.

But Reyes, who took the floor in the second quarter, scattered 15 points in that stretch as TNT-QC trimmed the gap to 39-46 at halftime.

Then Erazo picked up from there in the third canto scoring 19 points as the Jr. Phone Pals managed to tie the count at 60 going into the fourth despite fielding only four players in the third.

TNT-QC appeared to have the game in control when a triple by Isaiah Gilbert Reyes gave the team a 77-70 lead with 3:09 left in regulation. But the FedEx-San Juan stayed in the game and forced overtime.