The Tropang Texter’s rookie twin towers of Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario have proved to be a good gamble for Talk ‘N Text.
Both teams had contrasting beginnings in the opening frame, which dictated the game as Talk ‘N Text’s first quarter brilliance propelled them to a 95-85 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the second game of Sunday’s PBA double-header, held at the Big Dome on Sunday evening.
Eight players had already scored for the Texters after 12 minutes of action, as they started the game with a 17-0 tally. On the other hand, Rain or Shine missed all six of their attempts from downtown, and committed six turnovers that led to TNT’s quick surge. Beau Belga committed four fouls within the opening quarter, which added to the Painters’ 3/15 struggle from the field. Talk ‘N Text finished the period up by 23, thanks to their impressive 12/16 shooting from the floor.
The Elasto Painters put in their best defensive performance of the game during the second quarter, as they limited TNT to just 16 points. However, their offense failed to string together consecutive baskets to build a run, and they were still down big at the break. Quiñahan and Almazan had combined to help Rain or Shine chop the lead down to 16 at the 5-minute mark. However, Mo Tautuaa led the charge for an 8-0 closeout by the Texters to end the first half.
Rain or Shine scored 27 points in the third quarter as the starters, together with Jeff Chan, began to find their mark. Their defense also limited the Texters to a quiet four-point production in the last four minutes of the period, but it was not enough to overcome the lead established by TNT. The Painters’ minimal rhythm carried over through the final frame of action, as Jericho Cruz and Jeff Chan shot timely triples to trim the lead. Unfortunately Rain or Shine fell short, while the rookie duo of Tautuaa and Troy Rosario led the Texters to a big win.
The top two picks of the recent PBA draft, Mo Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, tallied 27 and 19 points respectively and combined for 18 rebounds. The Texters had more assists, 20-11, and shot 48% for the game compared to Rain or Shine’s 37% clip. For the losing Painters, Quiñahan paced the team with 21 markers, six rebounds, and two blocks. Jeff Chan chipped in 15 points and 2 three-pointers.
TNT have improved to a 6-3 record and remain in the hunt for the top two spots in the standings, which give automatic entry to the semifinals found. They seek to bolster their chances with a win against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday. For Rain or Shine, they break their 3-game winning run, and look to get back to winning ways against the Alaska Aces on Friday. Both games will be played at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Talk ‘N Text (95) – Tautuaa 27, Rosario 19, Fonacier 9, Castro 9, Reyes R.8, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Williams 4, Miranda 4, Carey 4, Aban 3, Reyes J.0.
Rain or Shine (85) – Quiñahan 21, Chan 15, Cruz 14, Almazan 13, Ahanmisi 8, Trollano 5, Belga 3, Nimes 2, Norwood 2, Matias 1, Tiu 1, Ibanes 0, Ponferada 0.
Quarterscores: 34-11, 50-26, 70-54, 95-85.
