Mighty Mouse Alapag sizzles as TNT nips Barako

For the second time in the PBA Philippine Cup, Talk `N Text survived a scary moment against a pesky Barako Bull five. And the Tropang Texters have veteran leader Jimmy Alapag to thank for. Finishing with his highest output in six years, Alapag lifted his team past the Energy Boosters Friday, 106-102, for a share of second spot in the season-opening meet. Alapag shot the lights out of the Araneta Coliseum by pumping in a game-high 33 points, including six of Talk ‘N Text’s last nine points. He also dished off 10 assists, the last of which led to a big three-pointer by Larry Fonacier in a stretch that sealed the team’s seventh win in 10 games for a tie with Barangay Ginebra at No. 2. The scrambling win came barely three weeks after the Tropang Texters similarly escaped the Energy Boosters’ upset axe with an 84-83 victory. “Binuhat niya (Jimmy) ‘yung team especially whent the team needed the baskets," said Nash Racela, calling the shots in the absence of Chot Reyes, who was loaned to the Smart-Gilas national team along with key player Kelly Williams. “It just shows how great a leader Jimmy is and how valuable he is to this team." Alapag’s career high stands at 39 points, which he poured on Christmas Day of 2004 when Talk `N Text lost to Ginebra, 102-108. Reed Juntilla engaged Alapag in a virtual shootout as the promising Barako Bull guard finished with a personal conference-high of 28 points, including 14 in the third period. The offensive explosion of the shifty guard from Cebu allowed the Energy Boosters to grab a 79-76 lead going into the final 12 minutes. “We struggle every time we play Barako Bull," admitted Racela, who is set to give way to Reyes once the Talk `N Text mentor gets back from the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, where he served as assistant to Smart Gilas national team coach Rajko Toroman. “It’s a lesson for us especially going into the other games building up to the playoffs. You cannot take any team lightly. We should put every effort in every game." Even after the Tropang Texters regained the lead, the Energy Boosters refused to roll over and die. Juntilla hit a three-point basket to cut Talk ‘N Text’s deficit, 95-93, with 4:47 left to play. After an exchange of baskets, Alapag came through with a three-pointer, then found Fonacier for an open three-point attempt on a drive-and-kick as the Texters finally surged safely ahead, 103-96, with 1:57 remaining. The Energy Boosters threatened for the last time at 100-103, before Alapag sealed it by scoring three charities for the Tropang Texters. Ryan Reyes complemented Alapag with 17 points, Harvey Carey grabbed 15 rebounds and scored 11, while Ali Peek pulled down 14 rebounds and had 11 points for Talk ‘N Text. Barako Bull lost for the ninth time in 11 games and is now in danger of being eliminated in the hunt for a playoff berth for the fifth straight conference. Mark Isip added 17 points for Barako Bull, which played without key players Rob Wainwright (vision problem) and Mark Andaya (fever). The team also lost gunner Sunday Salvacion in the first half when he suffered a left ankle injury. - KY/RCJ, GMANews.TV