Kelly Williams helped Talk n Text score a key win in his last game with the team before taking a
short leave to render duty to the country in the coming Asian Games.

Williams churned out a double-double game highlighted by crucial plays at the finish as the Tropang
Texters overcame a tough challenge by the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 84-83, to regain a share of
the lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

The 6-foot-6 Fil-Am forward grabbed 10 rebounds and tossed in 14 points with the biggest a
two-handed jam off an alley-oop pass by Jimmy Alapag giving the Texters an 82-77 lead with time down
to 54 seconds.

Two free throws by Alapag later on clinched the win that drew Talk n Text level with San Miguel
atop the chart on their identical 6-2 win-loss marks.

Rain or Shine snapped San Miguel’s five-game streak with a 110-107 reversal earlier in the night.

“We knew we would be sluggish in this game because we had a tough game the last time (versus
Derby Ace Wednesday). I started with other guys (Jason Castro, Jared Dillinger, Ali Peek, Aaron Aban
and Rich Alvarez). They gave us a good start and that’s the key,” said Talk n Text coach Chot
Reyes.

“We also knew Barako would not go away. They’re a scrappy bunch, well-coached and
well-motivated. The key was that we didn't get frustrated,” Reyes added.

The Texters are back on top but will miss not only Williams but also their coach in the next two
games.

Williams and Reyes lend their services to the Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas in its campaign in the
16th Asian Games slated Nov. 12-27 in Guangzhou, China.

The Nationals leave the country Tuesday (Nov. 8).

“It’s an honor to play for the national team again,” said Williams who had an initial stint
with the Philippine squad in the 2007 FIBA Asian championship in Tokushima, Japan.

Two other PBA players in Asi Taulava and Sol Mercado also play for Smart Gilas in China.

“More than me, our concern is Kelly. We need to fill in his shoes specially against San
Miguel,” said Reyes.

During their Asiad stint, Reyes and Williams will also miss their rematch with Barako Bull.

Alapag tossed in 16 points while Castro, Dillinger and Peek added at least 11 each as the Texters
withstood the Energy Boosters in their initial tiff.

Sunday Salvacion went 5-of-9 from the three-point area and totaled 17 points while Mark Isip made
16 points and 10 rebounds to pace the losing team.

The Energy Boosters just refused to give up but the Texters won just the same on clutch plays by
Alapag and Williams. (SB)

The scores:

Talk N' Text 84 - Alapag 16, Williams 14, Castro 12, Dillinger 11, Peek 11, Aban 7, Fonacier 6,
Carey 5, Yee 2, Alvarez 0.

Barako Bull 83 - Salvacion 17, Isip 16, Bono 10, Wainwright 10, Yee 10, Hubalde 8, Duncil 4, Daa 4,
Cruz 2, Andaya 2, Juntilla 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarters: 21-15, 37-34, 62-54, 84-83