Texters trip Aces, gain share of 2nd

MANILA, Philippines - TNT KaTropa handled Alaska Milk’s vaunted pressing defense well, beating the Aces on fastbreak plays and on halfcourt set in a one-sided 109-100 victory that sent the Texters to joint second place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena last night.

The Texters outmaneuvered the Aces all throughout, posting a number of 16-point leads before chalking up their fourth win in their last five games and fifth in six games overall.

Troy Rosario, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams provided  the offensive that propelled the Texters to joint second with Blackwater, just half-game behind titleholder San Miguel Beer (4-1).

Rosario, 0-of-11 from beyond the arc in their first four games before knocking 2-of-5 in their 117-98 rout of Phoenix Petroleum the last time out, showcased his hot shooting hands against the Aces, firing 6-of-9 treys to highlight a personal season-best 26-point outing.

The TNT gunners strung up 14-of-31 three-pointers in all as they broke Alaska’s defensive press and ran their dribble-drive offense.

TNT coach Nash Racela said they basically strove hard to achieve their goal of playing consistent basketball and playing smart for 48 minutes.

“We’re struggling to do that but we’re looking for improvements. We’re trying to do that on a day-to-day basis. I think we’re okay today,” said Racela, now with a 2-1 record since taking the coaching rein.

Earlier in the night, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters played with the toughness and determination developed under coach Yeng Guiao, showing up their former mentor in repulsing the NLEX Road Warriors, 107-97.

The E-Painters overcame a struggle in the first 40 minutes of play and a 12-point deficit in the third quarter, rallying to gain a piece of second place with the Blackwater Elite and the TNT KaTropa Texters at 4-2.

NOTES: Jun Reyes, backup to Johnny Abarrientos for a long time in Alaska’s dynastic reign in the league in the 90s, was a keen spectator in the Alaska-TNT game. On vacation from his work in the US, the former Ateneo Eagle had an instant reunion with former Alaska teammates Dickie Bachmann and Jojo Lastimosa. He said he’s proud with his nephew Josh who’s Nash Racela’s chief assistant in the TNT team. “He’s paid his dues and I think he’s ready for a head-coaching job in the collegiate and even in the PBA,” Jun said.

The scores:

First Game

TNT 109 – Rosario 26, Castro 16, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 10, Tautuaa 9, Rosser 9,  Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Carey 3, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0, Golla 0.

ALASKA 100 – Abueva 18, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Banchero 12, Dela Cruz 8, Casio 7, Exciminiano 6, Mendoza 5, Cruz 3, Hontiveros 3, Pascual 2.

Quarterscores: 31-22, 54-38, 77-70, 109-100

Second Game

RAIN OR SHINE 107 – Ponferada 22, Cruz 19, Chan 16, Yap 13, Norwood 11, Ahanmisi 7, Washington 7, Trollano 6, Belga 4, Matias 2, Tolomia 0, Ibañes 0, Maiquez 0.

NLEX  97 – Anthony 22, Rios 20, Alas 17, Villanueva 9, Baracael 7, Khobuntin 6, Taulava 5, Monfort 5, Camson 4, Lastimosa 2, Guinto 0.

Quarterscores: 21-28, 48-58, 80-85, 107-97