Texters slam PHL Cup playoff door on Aces

Talk 'N Text slammed the door on Alaska's bid for a playoffs berth in the PBA Philippine Cup Saturday, scoring a pulsating 100-97 win at the Araneta Coliseum.  

The Tropang Texters, the reigning All-Filipino Conference champion, survived the Aces' gallant stand in the final five minutes of play that saw Alaska charging back from 91-70 deficit. But the comeback fell short after Harvey Carey split his free throws with 18 seconds that gave Talk 'N Text a 100-97 lead, which became the final tally after L.A. Tenorio misfired on a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final three seconds.

 

The loss formally eliminated Alaska for a quarterfinals berth in its first season under new coach Joel Banal. The Aces only have a 3-10 record to show and were eliminated only for the third time in the last 32 conferences.

The Texters' ninth win in 13 outings promptly put them back on top of the standings, half a game over sister-teams B-MEG and Petron, which are tied for second with similar 9-4 cards.

Alaska’s setback also formalized ide Powerade's (5-8) playoffs entry after a three-year absence.  

Jimmy Alapag finished with 21 points, Kelly Williams had 20 and Carey tallied 18 for the Tropang Texters, who snapped back-to-back losses.  

Tenorio exploded for 25 points and brought the Aces back into the game entering the homestretch.  

His two three-pointers, in a 10-second span, including one inside the final 19 seconds had Alaska threatening at 99-97.

Jay-R Reyes then sent Carey to the foul line to stop the clock. The hardworking Talk 'N Text power forward split his charities to keep the Texters out of trouble. — JVP, GMA News