Poligrates and Slaughter make rousing PBA debut

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano rookie Eliud Poligrates made an impressive debut in the pro league, igniting a torrid fourth-quarter rally that propelled the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters to an 89-80 zapping of the Meralco Bolts at the start of the 39th PBA season last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Trailing by two points going into the final period, Poligrates, the 27th overall pick of the 2013 Rookie Draft, poured nine of his 13 points in the final quarter, even as he also anchored an 8-0 blitz that gave the Texters a 74-66 lead at the final 9:25 mark of the contest.

With the crowd cheering every time the ball is on his hands, the Camotes Island-native showed energy and shooting skills as he sank a three-point dagger in the face of Gary David that pushed the Texters' lead to 11, 81-70, with five minutes left in the contest.

Smart Gilas member Jayson Castro led way with 20 points, Noy Baclao compiled 14 points while Kelly Williams added 10 for Talk ‘N Text, which is shooting for its fourth straight All-Filipino Cup title.

The two teams figured in an air-tight battle in the first half that resulted into a 42-all deadlock, but David sizzled with six straight points that handed the Bolts a five-point edge,  57-52, with 5:30 remaining in the third period.

But Williams pounded the ball inside, drilling in two lay-ups to open the fourth quarter then Poligrates gamely picked up the scoring cudgels to shift the momentum to Talk ‘N Text. Baclao’s two free throws in the final 42 seconds followed by nice defensive stop by Castro on David sealed the deal for the Texters.

David led Bolts with 26 points followed by Dillinger with 11.

Over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Greg Slaughter also had a rousing PBA debut,  churning out 10 points in top of 13 rebounds as the Brgy. Ginebra Kings grilled the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 86-69.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters also defeated the Alaska Aces, 87-74, in another opener at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym in Davao City.

The scores

Talk ‘N Text (89) – Castro 20, Baclao 14, Poligrates 13, Williams 10, Alapag 8, Carey 8, Peek 6, Fonacier 6, Aban 4, Anthony 2

Meralco (80) – David 26, Dillinger 11, Hodge 9, Cortez 8, Al Hussaini 7, Salvacion 6, Wilson 2, Artadi 2, Allado 2 (FREEMAN)