Talk n Text has now got a shot at top seeding in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs after trailing San
Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra most of the elimination play.

Jimmy Alapag and Ali Peek both delivered big time as Talk n Text overcame Barangay Ginebra,
109-102, for a guaranteed spot in the Top Two at the close of the elims.

The Tropang Texters go for top finish in the elims and No. 1 seeding in the playoffs as they play
the Air21 Express Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

A win over the Express will force a tie between the Texters and the San Miguel Beermen at 11-3. In
such a case, Talk n Text gains the top berth on a superior quotient.

Before a good Friday crowd at the Big Dome, Alapag sizzled with 32 points while Peek shone with 25
points and nine rebounds as the Texters scored a fourth straight win and finally clinched a
twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

Ginebra settled for No. 3 spot after sliding down to 9-4.

“Our first priority was to be able to score since Ginebra’s giving up only 80 to 81 points a
game. I thought if we can score, we have a good chance to win,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes

“Second was to try to neutralize their guards and third neutralize Rudy Hatfield. We achieved two
of our priorities – to score and neutralize Hatfield – and that gave us the win,” Reyes added.

The Texters stayed on the rampage and remained in the running for No. 1 seeding in the elimination
play for the second straight conference.

“Of course, we’re going for the top seeding. Now that we’ve got this, we want a good rest
tonight, a good practice tomorrow and a good game Sunday,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

Alapag and Peek provided the Texters tremendous boost to overcome the Kings in a virtual dogfight.

“It was really tough. They’re keeping on coming back. They’re really a Ginebra team,” said
Reyes.

Alapag and Peek struck hardest at crunch time, combining for 31 points in the fourth quarter.

Jason Castro had his contribution, including a steal off Willie Miller leading to a breakaway layup
that helped fuel a run giving TnT a 107-100 lead entering the final minute of the game.

Talk n Text led by as many as 13 early on but Ginebra waged a fightback, pulling even at 82-all
with still six minutes left to play. (SB)

The scores:

Talk n Text 109 – Alapag 32, Peek 25, Castro 13, Dillinger 9, Fonacier 9, Carey 8, Reyes 7,
Williams 6, Aban 0, De Ocampo 0.

Ginebra 102 – Miller 22, Mamaril 14, Caguioa 14, Cortez 13, Tubid 10, Menk 10, Villanueva 9,
Helterbrand 5, Wilson 3, Hatfield 2, Intal 0.

Quarterscores: 28-25, 50-42, 72-63, 109-102