Castro, Cardona spark Texters' triumph over Realtors

Reigning Philippine Cup champion Talk ‘N Text subdued Sta. Lucia, 100-83, to remain unbeaten in All-Filipino Conference Sunday night at the Big Dome. Jason Castro sparked the Tropang Texters’ early onslaught, before Mac Cardona finished it off with a big second half explosion.

Cardona, the Finals most valuable player (MVP) when the Texters won this conference last season, pumped in 25 points behind a 50 percent shooting from the floor (9-of-18) to lead a Talk ‘N Text breakaway in the third period. Castro complemented Cardona with 16, 14 of them coming in the first half when he shot 5-of-6 from the field as the Texters held on to a 48-42 lead at the turn. The Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise is now 3-0 to occupy solo second behind the 4-0 slate of Alaska, a 105-96 winner over Barangay Ginebra earlier. The Texters next face the San Miguel Beermen this Wednesday in what coach Chot Reyes believes would be a big test for his team. Sta. Lucia suffered its first loss after winning its first two assignments. Joseph Yeo had 17 to lead the Realtors, who never recovered again after the Texters outscored them 28-20 in the third period. They fell by as many as 17 points early in the fourth, 81-64, on a soft jumper by Ali Peek. Bitoy Omolon added 17 while Gabby Espinas had 16, including 10 in the first two quarters. – GMANews.TV