Tropang Texters bring Aces back to earth

Talk n Text put up its best defensive effort so far in the season, stopping the previously unbeaten Alaska Milk side, 91-83, in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo last night.

“I really feel the key was our defense,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes as they dealt the Aces their first loss after a 4-0 win-loss start in the All-Filipino tourney.

Ali Peek returned from a four-game layoff due to a foot injury and provided the Tropang Texters a huge defensive presence as they checked a two-game skid and improved their record to 3-2.

Offensively, Mac Cardona and Jared Dillinger paced the team with 24 and 18 points, respectively.

Peek contributed 16 points and seven rebounds. More importantly, the bull-strong center asserted himself at the paint, thus, opening things up for his teammates.

“Ali Peek played a big game and he showed his real value to his team,” said Reyes.

Reyes also lauded Dillinger.

“He is a versatile player. But the main reason why we got him was because he plays the point, allowing us to use him and Mac (Cardona) at the same time,” Reyes said on his prized rookie.

The Tropang Texters made a decisive move in the third quarter when, ahead by just a hairline, 40-39, they stepped on the gas to grab a 67-59 lead at the end of the period.

Alaska coach Tim Cone was thrown out of the game with over seven minutes left to play due to technical fouls.

Things only got worse for the Aces after that.

The returning Peek buckled down to work early, pouring in 10 points to help the Tropang Texters to a 40-36 lead at the break.

The Tropang Texters and the Aces fought through six lead changes and five deadlocks in the first half.

Joe De Vance, a former Texas-El Paso standout acquired by Alaska from Rain or Shine, and Miller combined for 23 points in the first 24 minutes of play.