Texters, Smith rally past Aces

Games today (MOA Arena)

4:30 p.m. – Mahindra vs Phoenix

6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines - New TNT KaTropa import Joshua Smith survived two early fouls and the Texters fought back twice from a double-digit deficit to pull off a stirring 119-110 triumph over the Alaska Milk Aces in their Petron Blaze road match at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City last night.

The Texters extricated themselves from a tight situation and stayed in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals with a 7-3 win-loss card.

After sitting out practically the whole first half, Smith showed his stuff in the second half, collecting 23 points on 9-of-17 clip and added 10 rebounds, two assists and one block against one turnover.

With Smith halpless on the bench, help came from many sources, notably from Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo and RR Pogoy who themselves flattened the Aces at the finish.

TNT came through with an 18-5 closing run to steal the game and send Alaska reeling with a fourth straight setback.

The Aces blew away a 17-point spread in the first quarter and another double-digit margin in the third in this sorry loss.

New trade recruits RR Garcia and Anthony Semerad were of big help along with Moala Tautuaa and Kelly Williams who manned the paint during Smith’s confinement on the bench.

Castro produced 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds, De Ocampo churned out 15 markers, six boards and three dole-outs while Garcia rifled in four treys and finished with 13 points.

As Smith returned to the floor late in the second quarter, the Texters waged a chase and pulled ahead at 56-55 on a three-pointer by Troy Rosario shortly before the halftime break.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, the Philippine Cup title protagonists, clash in a highly anticipated rematch at the MOA Arena in Pasay City tonight.

The two teams were tied at 5-1 before the resumption of the tourney from the SEABA break Friday.

The Beermen got ahead on a 114-108 win over the NLEX Road Warriors while the Gin Kings, on the other hand, dropped their match versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 118-112.