TnT blasts B-Meg, takes semis opener

ANTIPOLO, Philippines  – Talk N’ Text leaned on the fourth quarter heroics of Jimmy Alapag as it fended off a furious, James Yap-led B-Meg Derby Ace fightback to fashion out a 98-91 victory for a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here last night.

The diminutive, lightning-quick Alapag poured in 10 of his team-high 20 points in the final period, including a rare, crucial four-point play that virtually scuttled the Llamados rally and negated Yap’s awesome 36-point binge. It also gave the Tropang Texters the early cushion in their long series which will take a nine-day break before resuming on Jan. 5 at the Araneta Coliseum.

“What can I say, Jimmy is Jimmy,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

The Texters, the elimination round topnotchers, used a big second quarter run to wrest control, posting leads of as many as 19 points twice, the last at 66-47 on a five-point swing by Ryan Reyes midway in the third period.

But just when they thought they had heard the last of B-Meg Derby Ace, the Llamados struck back behind the streak-shooting Yap, who came through with his best scoring stint in three years by unloading a 36-point barrage, including a long jumper that pulled them within two, 87-89, with still four minutes left in the game.

But the Tropang Texters went to Alapag, who scored five unanswered points, including a crippling four-point play off TnT’s offensive rebound in the last 2:07. They then held the Llamados to just four points with their stingy defense to preserve their lead and clinch the victory.

“They’re not the defending champions for nothing, they play with a lot of pride so we really expect them fight back,” said Reyes. “I just told the players to relax when they started to close in. I’m glad we didn’t lose composure.”

Although James Yap frolicked from all over, B-Meg sorely missed the services of veteran guard Roger Yap and the long-limbed, high-leaping Rafi Reavis.

Roger Yap, who norms five assists a game, was sidelined by a foot injury while Reavis suited up for the game but didn’t see action with hand and foot injuries.

“We caught a big break with Roger Yap not playing,” said Reyes.

Alapag, who turns 33 on Dec. 30, spiked his superb offensive game with eight assists while grabbing three rebounds in another brilliant job.

Ranidel de Ocampo backed up Alapag with 18 points, including four triples in the first half. Kelly Williams struggled for just 11 points but shackled the prolific Yap down the stretch.

Jared Dillinger also chipped in 10 points for TnT, which trailed in the first quarter, 20-21, but picked up its game in the second to build a 54-42 lead before holding sway entering the fourth period, 73-66.

De Ocampo, only on his fifth game since recovering from a foot surgery in the pre-season, waxed hot in the second quarter when he uncorked a 16-point barrage highlighted by four triples.

Yap sizzled with 16 points in the first half while KG Canaleta had 11 in the same stretch but was surprisingly benched in the fourth.