Texters survive 'Black-out'

MANILA, Philippines – The Talk n Text Tropang Texters were cruising to what appeared to be a blowout victory against rival San Miguel Beermen when they went through a “Black-out”.

Norman Black, who’s been coaching since 1985, uncharacteristically blew his top for what he felt were unfair calls leading to his ejection with 55.2 seconds left in the third quarter with his Tropang Texters’ once mighty 19-point lead thinned to just 10, 73-63.

The Beermen took advantage of TnT’s abrupt “Black-out” and went on a torrid 13-6 run to come within three, 79-76.

“It’s very lonely in the locker room sitting there all by yourself,” Black told reporters after the game.

The 56-year old multi-titled coach was left with no choice but to agonizingly watch the Beermen, the franchise which he steered to a grandslam in the early years of his coaching career, almost made it a double whammy on him.

“It’s my first time in 28 years and I don’t even think I deserve it, so be it. There was a TV in the locker room so I was able to watch the game. Of course, Jimmy Alapag hit some big shots towards the end and helped us win.”

In a fast and furious exchange, the Texters went on top by double digits again, 92-76, before the Beermen threatened for the last time, 97-93, behind Marcio Lassiter’s hot hands.

Alapag, who has been the heart and soul of this team in a decade-long durability, came through with a clutch triple as the Texters survived their rival’s endgame chase.

“It’s really a big win for us because we know how good this San Miguel Beer team is and how strong they are. It’s something for us to build on,” Black said.

Sandy Arespacochaga, Black’s trusted deputy for the last decade, ably stepped up in his shoes. It did help that Talk n Text is a veteran team that has a heart and poise of a champion.

“Coach Sandy has been with me for 11 years now. He pretty much knows how I think but of course he has to make his own decisions based on the situations. He did a good job,” said Black of their partnership which produced five straight titles in the UAAP and one PBA championship last season.

“I did not give him instructions when I left the court because I was too busy yelling at the referees,” Black joked which brought the house down.

But on a serious note, Arespacochaga, always the silent type and a picture of calm at Talk n Text bench, stabilized the team together with Alapag at the height of the Beermen’s furious run.

“It was very easy especially with a team like this with lots of veterans who know how to play in this kind of situation,” Arespacochaga told Philstar.com right after the game.  â€œMedyo nanggigil kami. So I told them to play our normal game.”

“More than I stepped up, it’s the players who stepped up. It was a character win. Jimmy kept on saying this is what we have to go through. Let’s show what we’re made of,” Arespacochaga added.  

Now the Texters are back in familiar territory – all alone on top with an unblemished 3-0 card.

“It’s a short conference.  We understand it’s a short sprint so it’s really important to start strong,” said Alapag.

They have six more games before the real test starts in playoffs. After losing the chance to defend the Philippine Cup title which they held for three straight seasons, the Texters are eager to bounce back.

“We’re a veteran group. We’ve been together for a long time and the guys understand that anytime we face adversity, we have to really lean on each other. I thought we did a good job tonight. Hopefully, we keep on going,” Alapag added.   

Champion teams go through adversities before winning it all. And the Texters are more than willing to go through this “Black-out” if this is what it takes for them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.