Tropang Texters defuse Bolts win run

MANILA, Philippines — TNT KaTropa built a huge 21-point lead in the second period then withstood Meralco’s searing second-half charge, hacking out a 113-107 win to close in on the frontrunners in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Glen Rice Jr., Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams delivered the goods as the Texters pounced on a Meralco side that appeared to be a bit rusty coming off a long 18-day layoff.

Rice came through with 32 points and 11 rebounds, Castro contributed 27 markers while Williams added 16 points and 13 boards as the Texters nailed their fifth win against three losses.

The Bolts actually found their rhythm in their return from the halftime break but failed to sustain the momentum and absorbed their second loss against five wins.

A big key for the Texters was stopping Allen Durham when it really mattered.

“It’s really hard to defend Durham one on one. It took us a team effort to be able to – I can’t say limit because we’re not able to limit him – to at least make it hard for him in the end,” said TNT coach Nash Racela.

“That’s expected because we’re playing probably the best import in the conference,” Racela also said of the prolific Meralco import who was in his usual superb form even from a long respite, getting away with game-highs of 39 points and 24 rebounds.

But the Texters virtually ganged up on Durham on defense at crunch time, limiting his touches and forcing the Bolts to find other options.

Later in the night, Chris Ross put in a personal conference high of 27 points and the other key San Miguel Beer locals also dished out solid games as they repulsed the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-96, to force a deadlock between themselves for sixth place at 4-3.

Terik Bridgeman continued to grope for form in his second game with the Beermen.

SMB coach Leo Austria said they’re fielding another import sub in Terrence Watson in their next game.