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MANILA – After losing two consecutive games, Talk ‘N Text upped their game in Game 4 to beat Rain or Shine 99-92, in the finals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday.
It was Ranidel De Ocampo’s time to shine, leading the Tropang Texters with 33 points and 5 rebounds.
The Gilas Pilipinas player hit 14 of his 20 field-goal shots, including three triples, and helped his team level the best-of-seven series, 2-2.
He was helped by Jayson Castro and Ivan Johnson. Castro scored 25 points including 5 triples, while Johnson added 19 markers.
De Ocampo said he took advantage of Rain or Shine’s preoccupation in guarding Castro and Johnson, which enabled him to tie his career best in scoring.
“Medyo nag-focus sila sa dalawa, kay Ivan at kay Jayson. Kaya ginawa ko lang ang trabaho ko,” said the 6’6” power forward, who used to play hoops for the St. Francis of Assisi College.
But what killed the E-Painters was the Texters’ defense, he said. By keeping the score below 100 points, Talk ‘N Text controlled the game
“Sa tingin ko, naging maganda ang depensa namin ngayon… ‘yung last two games, ang pangit talaga ng depensa namin eh kaya kami natalo,” said De Ocampo.
Talk ‘N Text won Game 4 with the same final score of 99-92, same as in Game 1, which they dominated.
Game 4, however, wasn’t smooth sailing like Game 1. A free-for-all nearly erupted early in the fourth quarter when the E-Painters’ Jireh Ibanez and the Texters’ Matt Ganuelas-Rosser came close to blows. JR Quinahan also joined the fray by throwing the ball at Ganuelas’ face.
All three players were ejected from the game.
Chris Tiu paced Rain or Shine with 21 points, while Paul Lee chipped in 17 markers. Wayne Chism was limited to 13 points.
Rain or Shine led the series, 2-1, coming into the game. The Elasto Painters won Games 2 and 3 after dropping the series opener against the Tropang Texters.
Shortly before the match, Castro was named Best Player of the Conference. Rain or Shine’s Chism was feted Best Import.
Box scores:
Talk ‘N Text 99 – De Ocampo 33, Castro 25, Johnson 19, Fonacier 10, Washington 4, Alas 4, Williams 2, Rosser 2, Carey 0, Aban 0.
Rain or Shine 92 – Tiu 21, Lee 17, Chism 13, Almazan 13, Arana 8, Ibanes 6, Cruz Jervy 4, Uyloan 3, Norwood 3, Belga 2, Quinahan 2, Cruz Jericho 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16, 42-41, 74-66, 99-92
Photo: PBA Images
This story was republished with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com
