2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semifinals: Texters go up 11-0 after taking Game 1 against Painters!

This was a tight battle all throughout, but the Texters prevailed, 91-85, with better endgame execution and some breaks going their way. TNT also enjoyed more balanced production, with five guys scoring in double-digits, led by Jayson Castro’s 16 markers. Jimmy Alapag also did well, hitting 4 triples on his way to 15 markers, while the frontline trio of Richard Howell, Ranidel De Ocampo, and Kelly Williams combined to drop 37 points and grab 30 rebounds. This win is the eleventh in as many games for the Texters, who are just 2 more Ws away from gaining their first Finals appearance since the 2013 Philippine Cup.

A colorful exchange between Richard Howell and Yeng Guiao
capped of festivities in Game 1.

Gilas gunner Jeff Chan waxed hot in the first half, scoring 15 points as the Painters led by three at the break, but he went cold in the final 24 minutes. Chan scored just 3 markers in the lats two periods, underscoring the adjustments that coach Norman Black made as the Texters snatched the advantage. Chan still finished with a good line, though — 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 treys, but he’ll definitely need more support from his buddies. Only two other Painters scored in double-figures: Wayne Chism and Ryan Araña, who tallied 25 and 10 markers respectively. ROS’s other guns — Paul Lee, Beau Belga, and Jervy Cruz — combined for just 20 points in 63 minutes.

Tap that!: With less than 20 ticks to go in the game, TNT import Richard Howell and ROS coach Yeng Guiao got involved in a colorful display of… affection. As Howell passed by coach Yeng, the controversial ROS tactician gave Howell a tap (or a bump, or a brush, or a punch, depending on how much you like or dislike coach Yeng), and the NC State alum responded by jawing with the former Philippine team coach. In a postgame interview, coach Yeng explained that Howell called him a “bitch,” and that the refs should have reprimanded the TNT reinforcement. I doubt either side will really come clean about what happened, but if you want to judge for yourself, then watch this:

Game Recap by Rey Joble/InterAKTV:

TALK N TEXT over RAIN OR SHINE, 91-85

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters remained undefeated in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup after a 91-85 come-from-behind victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game One of their best-of-five semifinals series.

Jimmy Alapag scored 11 of his 15 points in the fourth period, leading the Tropang Texters back from a double-digit deficit early in the second half.

Alapag’s three-pointer put Talk ‘N Text ahead, 84-76, with a three-pointer with 5:54 remaining.

The Tropang Texters were only up by five, 90-85, when Alapag made a save on the baseline that forced the Elasto Painters to give up a foul with 19.7 seconds left.

Television replays, however, showed that Alapag’s foot was out of bounds before making the save. Things got heated during the pause in the action when Talk ‘N Text import Richard Howell lost his temper after getting a tap from Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Tropang Texters coach Norman Black subbed out his import to keep things from escalating before Talk ‘N Text held on for a 1-0 series lead.

Black warned that the late game scuffle was a sign of things to come.

“I think that’s how the series is gonna go. It’s gonna be intense, it’s gonna be physical, it’s gonna be rugged. We gotta control our emotions,” said Black.

Despite the loss, the Elasto Painters remained positive about their chances in the series.

“It’s the first game. We had control in the third quarter, but there were definitely breakdowns that caused us to lose momentum,” said Guiao.

“One thing is certain, we feel we can beat this team. We’ll try again next time, I guess we can give it a better try with Gabe coming in to play.”

Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism won his scoring matchup with Howell, 25-14, but Talk ‘N Text got plenty of contributions from its talented local crew. Jayson Castro finished with 16 points, Ranidel De Ocampo added 13, while Kelly Williams had 10 to join Alapag as local double-digit scorers.

Both imports had 22 rebounds. Chism dominated the paint with seven blocks, while Howell had two.

Jeff Chan broke out of his slump to score 18 points for Rain or Shine, but he had only three in the second half when Talk ‘N Text made its big run.

Game Two is set on Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.

TNT 91 – Castro 16, Alapag 15, Howell 14, De Ocampo 13, Williams 10, Reyes 8, Canaleta 5, Seigle 4, Carey 4, Fonacier 2, Aban 0.
ROS 85 – Chism 25, Chan 18, Arana 10, Lee 9, Belga 7, Cruz 4, Rodriguez 4, Almazan 2, Tang 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 2, Uyloan 0, Teng 0.
QS: 26-24, 44-47, 64-66, 91-85