Texters, returning stars slam B Pier

MANILA, Philippines - Larry Fonacier, Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo, though still in the process of finding their old rhythm with their mother team, stepped up and helped Talk n Text turn back the fighting Globalport team, 102-95, in the PBA Governors Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.

Fonacier went 3-of-6 from the three-point area and finished with 19 points while Castro and De Ocampo contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, as the Tropang Texters snapped a two-game skid and hit the .500 mark with a 2-2 win-loss slate.

Tony Mitchell defied the rugged defense of Chad Alonzo and Marvin Hayes, pouring in a game-high 35 points as Talk n Text caught up with Globalport and Meralco at fifth place behind Petron Blaze (4-1), Barako Bull (3-1), Rain or Shine (3-2) and Alaska Milk (2-1).

“We’re long ways to go. We haven’t got into the groove. We still needs a lot more practice,” said Fonacier, among Talk n Text’s returning stars from the national team.

“It’s still an adjustment period for the three. And we’re not a good team right now. Every game’s going to be tough,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.

“Everything’s a bit of a struggle. We’re trying to hang in there to qualify to the next round. It’ll be a big lift for us when Jimmy (Alapag) comes back. It’s nice to hear his voice as the team’s leader,” Black also said.

The Texters relied on the key spurt of Mitchell, Fonacier, Ryan Reyes and De Ocampo to open a 14-point lead, 99-85, with four minutes left to play.

And as the Batang Pier waged a final fightback to close in at 95-100, Castro took charge to clinch the Texters’ second victory following a 118-113 overtime decision over the Energy Cola on Aug. 16.

Castro, named to the Mythical Selection in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship, grabbed a crucial offensive rebound and knocked in two charities to settle the outcome of the contest.

The 5-foot-11 guard made a total of eight freebies and also got three assists and two rebounds in 27 minutes of action.

Fonacier and De Ocampo also had solid all-around game with the former also logging four assists and three rebounds and the latter getting 11 caroms to complete a double-double game.

Still, the Texters found it hard to shake off the Batang Pier.

Markeith Cummings put in 33 points to pace the Batang Pier who also drew double-digit outputs from Gary David (15), Jay Washington (14) and Sol Mercado (10).

The Texters pulled through on a good run at the finish highlighted by back-to-back treys from Fonacier.

“It’s a short tourney as everybody’s saying. We’ve got to have a sense of urgency in each game,” said Fonacier.

In the nightcap, the Aces regrouped after blowing away a 16-point spread and outlasted the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 102-99.

Staring at a seven-point deficit, 89-96, with 3:40 left, the Aces worked on a 13-3 closing run to win the fierce battle and hand the Kings a third loss in four starts.