i TV Pinoy

Source: gmanews.tv

-- Jimmy Alapag missed three straight free throws down the stretch, but his gutsy performance overshadowed his near endgame boo boos.

Playing in pain because of a pulled harmstring, Alapag was pure heart in Talk 'N Text’s big comeback win over Purefoods, 101-98, Saturday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Xavier gym in Cagayan de Oro City.

Alapag had seven points in a 15-3 run that overturned an 81-88 deficit and gave the Texters a 96-91 lead.

The league’s leading playmaker led the Tropang Texters with 17 points to hand TNT’s ninth win in 14 games.

Purefoods, which previously won four straight games, suffered back-to-back losses.

The Giants were led by James Yap’s 28 points.

Meanwhile, Alaska and San Miguel Beer try to fortify their bid for the two outright semis berths on Sunday.

The Aces take on a Coca-Cola Tigers side desperately needing a victory in their 4 p.m. encounter. The Beermen, on the other hand, test the mettle of sister team Ginebra in their 6:30 p.m. tussle.

For Alaska coach Tim Cone, Sunday’s game against the Tigers would be another test of their resolve.

They hurdled past tough teams San Miguel and Talk ‘N Text, both games going down-to-the-wire. Whether or not they still have the energy against a Tigers squad revitalized by the re-entry of man mountain Asi Taulava remains to be seen.

“You cannot take Coca-Cola for granted, especially with Asi Taulava around," said Cone.