Talk n Text survived a struggle versus a depleted but fierce-fighting Powerade side, squeezing out a
crucial 103-96 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Tropang Texters fended off the Tigers’ challenge, giving the Meralco Bolts B-Boys (6-5) and
the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados (6-6) free ride into the quarterfinals.

TnT regained a share of the lead with Barangay Ginebra at second place at 8-3 while Powerade slid
deeper down at ninth place at 3-9.

“It was a tough game and we’re only too happy to escape and keep up with Ginebra,” said Talk
n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“We figured Powerade would combat as very hard as they’re basically fighting for their life.
Priority was to outwork them but that was not the case in the first half,” Reyes added. “Our
defense was horrible. We’re lucky we survived.”

Kelly Williams, rejoining Talk n Text after a stint with Smart Gilas Pilipinas in the recent Asian
Games, put in 10 of his 12 points in the final quarter helping the Texters through.

Ali Peek, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey and Ryan Reyes had key contributions as TnT duplicated its
108-89 win over Powerade in their previous tiff.

Peek wound up with a team-high 21 points, Alapag and Carey ended up with double-double numbers
while Reyes accounted for four of the team’s last 11 markers.

With their back against the wall, the Tigers fought with great resolve and engaged the Texters in a
furious battle though playing minus Dennis Espino.

Already without Espino, the Tigers lost another key man as Rob Reyes hobbled to the bench with a
leg injury in the third quarter.

“We knew beforehand they’re gonna scratch and claw. Still, I thought we call pull through in
the end having more horses. That’s what happened,” said Reyes.

Peek scored off William Antonio at the post then Reyes scored on a layup on an assist by Alapag as
TnT took a four-point cushion at 98-94 with 55 seconds to go.

Gary David made it a one-possession game on a tough drive in the ensuing play but TnT regained a
four-point spread as Alapag canned in two charities off a foul by Sean Anthony with time down to
18.3 seconds.

Alapag completed a double-double game as he fed Reyes for a layup entering the final minute of the
contest.

The diminutive guard finished with 14 points and 10 assists that went with five rebounds and one
steal in 33 minutes of action.

Carey logged 18 points and 16 rebounds in his own double-double job. (SB)

The scores:

Talk N' Text 103 - Peek 21, Carey 18, Reyes 14, Alapag 14, Williams 12, Castro 8, Aban 8, Fonacier
5, Dillinger 3.

Powerade 96 - David 25, Anthony 20, Reyes 12, Ritualo 11, Lanete 8, Macapagal 7, Gonzales 7, Laure
5, Antonio 1, Enrile 0, Calimag 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarters: 24-33, 49-53, 69-73, 103-96