B-boys import fires 43 points: Texters spoil Oguchi debut

MANILA, Philippines –  Talk n Text banked largely on its locals’ efforts as the Texters weathered Champ Oguchi’s sterling 43-point debut with the Meralco Bolts B-Boys, scrambling for a 109-106 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Kelly Williams defended well versus Oguchi in the crunch and Larry Fonacier nailed crucial charities, enabling the Texters to pull through and tie the Alaska Milk Aces at third place with identical 3-1 (win-loss) cards.

“We almost paid dearly for my stubbornness in thinking Paul Harris can play defense. He sucked, and his man (Oguchi) almost killed us,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“We gave up 106 points because we’re terrible on defense, and it goes back to our import for not defending well. We’re lucky to escape,” Reyes added.

The outspoken TnT mentor said the efforts of his locals, especially Williams’ defensive gems in the stretch allowed them to notch their third straight win following a losing debut versus Smart Gilas.

The Texters also sent the B-Boys reeling to their fourth defeat in as many outings.

Oguchi, who took over from Tony Danridge, poured in season highs of eight triples and a total of 43 points but his game-long brilliance was not enough to check Meralco’s skid.

The American-Nigerian hotshot missed his final three-point attempt with five seconds left, putting to naught their searing rally from 21 points down.

Earlier, Oguchi pumped in back-to-back triples then Macmac Cardona took a crucial steal and scored on a spin drive as the B-Boys came within two at 104-106 with 24 seconds left to play.

Harris made it a three-point game on a charity and TnT eventually won the game with Williams staying close on Oguchi in the next play.

“Our import played 35 minutes. He got 32 points but only six rebounds. That’s not acceptable,” said Reyes.

“If we’re to go deep in the playoffs, our import must to learn to play defense,” Reyes added.

Meralco clobbered Talk n Text, 40-57, in the battle off the boards. Reyes, however, was convinced things would have been different if Jared Dillinger was there.

The injury-stricken Dillinger and Jason Castro could still be out in their next game.

Barangay Ginebra shrugged off a faltering start, pummeling Powerade in the last three quarters for a 107-92 win in the nightcap.

“Long way to go. We need to keep pace with the teams on top. We’re still trying to get there,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.