On A Hot Winning Streak

Everybody knows that Jayson Castro is now the face of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters. He brings excitement and quickness to the team whenever he is on the court. He is just so quick that it is hard for his opponents to keep him in check. He’s instrumental in all of their 5 wins, however, he injured his hand during their last game against the Barako Bull Energy Cola as a result he did not suit up during their game against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Negros Occidental. 

A lot of people said that Talk ‘N Text’s offense is so different without Jayson Castro and I do have to agree. There’s no quickness in their offense, it’s as if their dribble-drive game is just not there. True that Jayson is an important piece of the team but basketball is not just a one man show, it’s a team sport and even without their reliable scorer, the team was able to notch their 6th win in as many games. 

The team didn’t really have a perfect offensive night as they struggled to make some baskets. Their free throws weren’t there either. Larry Fonacier, a known steady free throw shooter missed a lot of free throws including the last two that left a small hope for the Rain or Shine to tie the game. Good thing they were able to make a good defensive stop on JR Quiñahan in the next possession. 

Both teams struggled all night, I am not sure if it’s the defense or just the fact that they were playing in a different venue. Jeff Chan, the league leading scorer only scored 4 points in his 28 minutes of play. Jervy Cruz made up for the lack luster performance of their top scorer by scoring 14 points along with 12 boards. Jimmy Alapag led all scorers with his 15 points and 7 assists. 

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters next opponent is the Alaska Aces this coming November 02, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Game time is 7:30PM. The Aces are also on a hot winning streak thanks to their super rookie Calvin Abueva.

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Five and Counting!

To an avid fan, it is such a joy to see your favorite team leading in the standings in the early stages of the Philippine Cup. Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, the defending champions is looking for a 3 peat for them to keep the Jun Bernadino trophy for good. Looking at their win-loss record right now, the goal is just within reach. It looks like the guys are very comfortable with the new system of their new head coach because they haven’t lost a single game since the opening of the conference. 

They just notched their fifth straight win last night at the expense of the Barako Bull Energy Cola. It was a low scoring ball game with both teams trying to limit their opponent’s offensive weapons with their suffocating defense. Norman Black known as a defense oriented mentor wanted his troop to be known not just as a good offensive but a good defensive team as well and they just showed it last night. 

The game was tied at 77 when Jayson Castro hit a crucial three point shot off the pass of Jimmy Alapag, the shot was the final basket. The texters then applied a good and honest defense throughout the remainder of the game. Even though he injured his left hand early in the first period, Jay Castro led the scoring load of the team with 15 points. Larry Fonacier and Ali Peek were also in double digit scoring 13 and 10 points apiece. 

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters next assignment is the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who’s also on winning streak after a come from behind win against the San Mig Coffee Mixers. The game will be played at Victorias City, Negros Occidental this coming October 27, 2012. Game time is 6:30 in the evening. 

TNT nation let’s keep the faith and hopefully we can make it to six in a row!

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First Game: No Problem

Even if I wanted to watch the first game of Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on TV, my work doesn’t allow me to do so. Game starts at 5:15PM but my off from work is not until 6PM, on top of that I need to travel approximately 30 minutes before reaching home. So I just watch the first half of the game through online streaming. What I don’t like about online streaming is that it keeps on buffering every now and then. Well anyways, here’s what I have observed from my beloved team in the PBA…

Right off the bat, the team did not have a problem getting the ball to the rim. The offense was there right from the first possession. All starting five players were able to contribute, enabling the team to put an early double digit lead. Their defense was also good as they were able to hold down the offense of the Meralco Bolts. That’s one of the best things about having the same line-up from the previous season because there’s no adjustments needed and players know each other very well.

Going into the second quarter, the team is still leading but Meralco Bolts is slowly picking up their offense. They were able to cut the lead down to 10 points at one point. That’s probably the last sequence I’ve seen from the game since I was already heading out of work. Good thing when I got home, I heard a good news from Mico Halili and Kenneth Duremdes (AKTV Center’s hosts) that Talk ‘N Text won via overtime.

Well it was quite a surprised that the game went to overtime considering that they were leading by as much as 16 points in the second quarter. Well, a win is still a win! So I’ll take that one. As what I have learned from the hosts, the Tropang Texters squandered a 24-point lead in the third quarter allowing the Meralco Bolts to send the game into overtime. Good thing though, Talk ‘N Text showed their championship poise during the extension period beating the retooled Meralco Bolts by only two points.

Jared Dillinger had an impressive night chipping in 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was not alone though as six other players from the team scored in double digits. Harvey Carey also became the 38th member of the 2000 defensive rebounds club. Jayson Castro handled the back court task since Jimmy Alapag was not able to play due to a calf injury. Interestingly, all players that Coach Nash fielded in were able to score. A total team effort, I must say!

Kudos to Coach Nash for the great game and first getting the first win as a PBA coach!

Let’s keep the faith!

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First Game High

Tomorrow marks the first game of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the 38th season of Philippine Basketball Association.  They will go against their sister team – Meralco Bolts. While the Bolts will parade new faces in their line-up, the Tropang Texters will be composed of the same players from last season. The team is the only team who didn’t change players during the off season though they lost the high flying Japeth Aguilar. Aguilar is currently in the United States trying to pursue his NBA dream.

Long time assistant coach Nash Racela will temporarily call the shots for the team while Norman Black is still coaching the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP. It is expected that Coach Norman will be able to join the team during their second or third game. Both Jimmy Alapag and Harvey Carey are chasing a career milestone. Jimmy needs three 3-point shots to become the fourth player in the PBA history to reach 1000 triples while Harvey is one defensive rebound shy to become a member in the 2000 defensive rebound club. 

As a team, they are looking to become the first team to win the Philippine Cup title in three straight seasons, with the team remained intact and the resume of Norman Black as a head coach, it is not too impossible to reach such goal. The team only needs to continue doing what they do best – dribble drive offense infuse with Coach Black’s style of coaching.  All the players were able to get the much needed rest after a grueling two seasons that saw the team won 3 championships and two runners up trophies.

Ranidel De Ocampo, Larry Fonacier and Jared Dillinger though didn’t get enough rest because they represented the country during the Jones Cup and FIBA. These competitions however allowed them to stay sharp and in good shape, hopefully all three of them will not be too tired as the Philippine Cup conference goes down the wire. They are all valuable to the team’s success.

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