i TV Pinoy

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

-- Purefoods Tender Juicy continued its mastery over Talk ‘N Text after securing a thrilling 108-102 win Sunday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie Rico Maierhofer had a career night with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks, all personal highs, while the rest of the Giants contributed significantly to the much-needed win over the Tropang Texters, whom they have now beaten in their last five meetings.

Nino Canaleta added 16 points while James Yap and Kerby Raymundo contributed 13 each for the Giants, who improved to 3-2.

Marc Pinrgis also played a significant role in the win as he finished with 12 points, including a crucial tip in the closing minute that somehow preserved the win for the Giants.

“We were able to contain our excitement level because last time, we were so arrogant that we’re like bunch of high school players who celebrated after a made basket,” said Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio, referring to their 79-93 loss Coke in its previous game.

“Today, we are so focused. There’s an eerie silence in the locker room before the game. We’re a little more serious and we fought from the opening tip till the final buzzer,” he added.

The Giants blew a 16-point lead against the Asi Taulava-less Tigers and surrendered a 14-point decision.

The game was tight up to the first three quarters and Tropang Texters even grabbed the lead at 82-80 on back-to-back three-pointers with 10:28 remaining.

But Roger Yap, James Yap and Nino Canaleta spearheaded a 14-3 exchange to erect their biggest lead of the game at 94-85 midway in the third period.

Talk ‘N Text responded with its own 14-5 run to trim the lead to 99-101 with less than two minutes remaining.

Maierhofer, the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, gave the Giants some breathing space with a two-hand slam, 103-99 and James Yap added a split to make it a five-point contest for Purefoods with 42.1 ticks left.

Mark Cardona and Renren Ritualo failed to convert their three-point attempts in the Tropang Texters’ next two possessions to absorb its second loss against same number of wins.

Harvey Carey led Talk ‘N Text with 20 points while Cardona and Jimmy Alapag contributed 19 and 18 markers respectively for coach Chot Reyes.

Nic Belasco finished with 17 markers on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point area. The Biggest disappointment for Reyes was Ali Peek, who was held scoreless in 24 minutes in a foul-plagued stint.

“Nakakahiya kami talaga last game. Nag-usap ang team na dapat seryoso kami hangga’t hindi pa tapos ang fourth quarter,’ said James Yap, who struggled with his game as he shot 3-of-13 from the field.

Purefoods outrebounded Talk ‘N Text, 56-31.

Kings topple Elasto Painters

Cyrus Baguio again carried the scoring cudgels for Barangay Ginebra as he topscored with a game-high 17 points to lead the Kings to an 86-77 win over Rain or Shine and solidify its hold of the second spot with 4-1 mark.

Baguio also added six assists in just 22 minutes for Ginebra, which againmissed the services of its backcourt tandem in Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa due to injuries.

JC Intal added 11 points while Celino Cruz chipped in 10 for the Kings.

“We survived another day. Hopefully we can survive more until we become complete again,” said Uichico. “Cyrus found a niche in the team. He’s been carrying the scoring for us in the past two games.”

Rookie Jervy Cruz and Jay-R Reyes had 14 points apiece for the Elasto Painters, who absorbed their six straight losses in as many games in the tournament.