MANILA, Philippines - Macmac Cardona put in a season high 35 points while Nic Belasco dished out his first double-double game in a Talk n Text jersey as the Tropang Texters checked a two-game skid with a 103-94 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
Jimmy Alapag also came away with 21 points, three rebounds and the same number of assists as the Texters nailed their third win in five games while dealing the Tigers their fourth loss against a lone victory.
Cardona, the league scoring champion last year, played true to form against the Tigers, going 5-of-8 from the three-point area, 7-of-10 from the two-point zone and 6-of-10 from the stripe as he came through with his best production since making his career best of 42 points in a 103-93 victory over Barako Bull in November last year.
Second in scoring in the current season behind Jayjay Helterbrand before the game, Cardona later soared to the top on his explosive showing he spiked with five rebounds and four assists.
“I’m just keeping in my mind what coach Chot Reyes tells us – that our basketball career is short and we have to grab the opportunity now. Give your best every game and you’ll regret nothing,” said Cardona.
San Miguel Beer notched its fifth straight win with a 92-76 whipping of Purefoods in the second game.
“It’s another good win keeping our streak. I credit our defense for the streak. Our offense comes and goes but our defensive effort has always been there. Defense is where we get our energy,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.