Tropang Texters are the new Kings! 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 6: Talk N Text over Bgy. Ginebra, 99-96

Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, and Ranidel De Ocampo made the timely hits in the endgame to stretch the game into overtime and seal the deal for Talk N Text.

Alapag, the Best Player of the Conference, netted 24 points while Castro and De Ocampo conspired to help the diminutive guard lead the Texters to the Commissioner’s Cup Crown! The terrific trio combined for 9 triples and none were bigger than the ones they hit in the endgame to clinch the title for coach Chot Reyes.

TNT import Paul Harris also gave a good account of himself, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

It was a sorry loss for the Bgy. Ginebra Gin Kins, as they led practically most of the game until some endgame misses and lapses handed the title to TNT. The Kings were led by import Nate Brumfield’s monster output of 18 points, 22 boards, and 4 assists. Locals Willie Miller, JC Intal, as well as rookies John Wilson and Rob Labagala also gave good accounts of themselves, combining for 12 triples.

With this win, TNT gave 3-time Coach of the Year awardee Chot Reyes his 5^th PBA title.

It was a wonderful game worthy of the championship billing, certainly more entertaining than Pacquiao’s dominance over Shane Mosley earlier in the day.

Ginebra controlled the tempo most of the way, but the Texters proved sterner in the end, especially since the inexperience of rookies Wilson and Labagala showed. Alapag again made a good case for him being one of the best, if not the best, guard in the country. Perhaps coach Rajko Toroman can keep a slot open for him in Smart-Gilas in time for the FIBA-Asia tourney later in the year?

Congratulations to the TNT Tropang Texters! J

Talk N' Text 99 - Alapag 24, Castro 19, Harris 18, De Ocampo 18, Williams 10, Peek 10, Reyes 0, Fonacier 0, Carey 0.

Ginebra 96 - Miller 21, Brumfield 18, Intal 17, J. Wilson 14, Labagala 8, Caguioa 6, Menk 5, Cortez 3, Mamaril 2, Hatfield 2, Tubid 0.

Quarters: 23-28, 48-53, 64-74, 88-88, 99-96

(all images by Nuki Sabio/PBA.ph)