Castro, Rosario shine as TNT sinks GlobalPort

GlobalPort's Stanley Pringle and TNT's Jayson Castro battle for the loose ball. KC Cruz

Top gun Jayson Castro and second overall pick Troy Rosario led the charge as the TNT Tropang Texters defeated the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 107-96, on Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The victory pushed the Tropang Texters' record to 6-4, a half-game behind GlobalPort's 7-4 slate. Talk 'N Text could clinch the No. 4 seed in the Philippine Cup playoffs when it faces Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (6-4) in the final game of the elimination round on Sunday.

Castro finished with 25 points while Rosario added 19 for TNT, which won handily despite missing top pick Moala Tautuaa due to back spasms.

"We need to win this game, 'di pa kasi namin alam kung saan kami," said TNT coach Jong Uichico.

Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo carried the fight for GlobalPort with 24 points apiece. —JST, GMA News

The scores:

TNT 107 - Castro 25, Rosario 19, Aban 9, Carey 9, Fonacier 9, Seigle 9, Williams 7, Rosser 6, Reyes R. 6, Reyes J. 5, Miranda 3, Rodriguez 0.

GLOBALPORT 96 - Pringle 24, Romeo 24, Yeo 14, Semerad 9, Jensen 8, Mamaril 6, Kramer 5, Maierhofer 4, Washington 2, Isip 0, Paniamogan 0, Pena 0, Uyloan 0, Sumang 0.

Quarters: 15-22, 53-44, 83-69, 107-96