Balanced Talk 'N Text hands ex-coach Black second loss with Meralco

Norman Black coached Talk 'N Text for two seasons. KC Cruz

The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters fashioned out an 80-72 win over the Meralco Bolts on Tuesday at Cuneta Astrodome, winning their first meeting with former coach Norman Black.

 

The Tropang Texters leaned on a balanced attack to drop the Bolts, with Ryan Reyes scoring 17 points, Ranidel De Ocampo adding 15, and Harvey Carey winning Best Player honors with seven points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.

 

Black coached Talk 'N Text for two seasons before moving to Meralco in a shuffle prior to the start of the 2015 Philippine Cup. He coached the Tropang Texters to the 2013 Philippine Cup title.

 

"We played both ends of the floor the way we wanted to," said Jong Uichico, who took over for Black prior to the season.

 

"We made crucial stops in the end and had 2nd chance opportunities."

 

Gary David scored 17 points to lead the Bolts, but was the only player on the team in double-figures.

 

Talk 'N Text improved to 4-2, while Meralco suffered its second loss in five games. — JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

TALK N ' TEXT 80 - Reyes Ryan 17, De Ocampo 15, Castro 12, Alapag 7, Carey 7, Fonacier 7, Rosser 7, Washington 4, Alas 2, Williams 2, Espiritu 0, Reyes Rob 0, Seigle 0, Aban 0, Labagala 0.

 

MERALCO 72 - David 17, Anthony 9, Hugnatan 9, Cortez 8, Dillinger 8, Macapagal 8, Atkins 5, Hodge 4, Ildefonso 2, Caram 2, Ferriols 0, Buenafe 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.

 

Quarters: 22-19, 37-33, 53-55, 80-72