Talk ‘N Text reaches PBA Governor’s Cup semifinals

KG Canaleta of Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters (TNT Facebook page)

MANILA — Top seed Talk ‘N Text pulled away in the second half to beat Barako Energy Drink, 99-84, on Tuesday night to advance in the semifinals of the PBA Governor’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Coming into the game with twice-to-beat incentive, the TNT found little resistance from the Energy Drinks in the first half.

KG Canaleta and import Paul Harris combined forces in the second frame to avenge their 74-88 loss in their last meeting last June 10.

Canaleta topscored with 25 points while Harris added 24 points and Jason Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo finished with 16 and 14 markers, respectively.

”Great team effort by my players today. We’re very balanced as far as our scoring is concerned. We have a lot of contributions from everybody,” TNT headcoach Norman Black said.

The Tropang Texters entered the quarterfinals with a 7-2 win-loss record while Barako finished eight and last with 3-6 slate.

Import Allen Durnham, who scored 28 points and 29 rebounds for Barako Bull last June 10, came out with 25 points but hardly drew support from the locals.

The scores:

TALK N’ TEXT 99 – Canaleta 25, Harris 24, Castro 16, De Ocampo 14, Williams 7, Fonacier 4, Alapag 3, Reyes Ryan 2, Baclao 2, Carey 2, Aban 0, Reyes Jai 0, Espiritu 0.

BARAKO 84 – Durham 25, Jensen 17, Miranda 12, Pennisi 11, Fortuna 6, Wilson 5, Miller 4, Marcelo 4, Deutchman 0, Intal 0.

Quarterscores: 16-17, 41-43, 73-65, 99-84.