Congratulations Tropang Texters!

I got this picture at the PBA Website. VISIT PBA.COM.PH!!! 

Talk N Text blew a 2-0 lead but they managed to win two straight to clinch the crown.

The Talk N Text Tropang Texters are the 2010-11 PBA Philippine Cup Champions!

Now let’s get this clear: San Miguel fought and they fought hard. Ato Agustin adjusted by giving Denok Miranda to place his defensive hex on TNT’s guards. Jay Washington ended the first half with 18 points of 6-of-9 shooting. San Miguel clawed from a 22-32 first quarter score to finish the half only behind by four.

In the second half however, the Tropang Texters again brought their A game.

Six players scored in double figures for Talk N Text with Ryan Reyes leading the offensive charge with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jimmy Alapag posted another double-double performance with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal. Ali Peek’s scoring drought was finally over as the Man-Mountain did damage with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Kelly Williams, another player who has struggled in the finals, was good for 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 4 steals. Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvey Carey combined for 25 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block, and 4 assists off the bench.

Jason Castro, one of the team’s heroes, had only 7 points of 2-for-10 showing, but he had 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal.

Talk N Text had a great third quarter as the Beermen’s shooting began to sour and they built up a 10-0 run. The third quarter ended with 69 to 62 in favor of TNT.

Larry Fonacier again waxed hot in the fourth quarter. Guest analyst Yeng Guiao said that despite Jay Washington’s offensive outburst, the other San Miguel scorers were absent. Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, and Harvey Carey are hurting the Beermen with their all-around performances. Ryan was barely scoring unlike his burst in the first half but he was setting up the plays perfectly. Washington was carrying the team by his lonesome and he began to lose steam in the fourth. In a sign of desperation, SMB Coach Ato Agustin fielded in Sunday Salvacion to perhaps get some offensive presence.

The match finished 95 to 82 sending the Tropang Texters to another championship!

Jay Washington led all scorers with 29 points but after hitting 6-for-9 in the first half, he could only show 3-for-10 in the second. He also had 18 rebounds but his import-like numbers are not without 7 turnovers. Arwind Santos was also good for 4-for-12, and he finished with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. Alex Cabagnot finished the series with another scoring drought as he finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists but with 3-of-12 shooting. Their second leading scorer in the contest was Dondon Hontiveros who was only good for 11 points.

Before the fourth quarter, Hontiveros was only good for six points while Santos was held down to two.

For the veterans, Danny Ildefonso had 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 5-of-7 from the field, in 32 minutes. Dorian Pena had 1 point, 6 rebounds, and a block in 13 minutes.

Where were these guys when TNT was running rampant?  

Chot Reyes is the first PBA coach to win two titles each for three different teams. He also claimed his fourth All-Filipino Title, tying in the process legendary coach Tommy Manotoc. Manny Pangilinan got his second “virtual” grand slam as TNT won a PBA crown, Ateneo won a UAAP title last year, and San Beda won the NCAA crown against the San Sebastian Stags.

Ironically, Ato Agustin was the coach of that second-place San Sebastian squad.

This is a nice series finish for Ryan Reyes who had to return to the US and missed Game 3 of the series when his brother, Allan Raymond passed away. Certainly, a good presence trickled to him which is why he played inspired ball throughout the series.

For Olsen Racela, I hope he’ll reconsider retiring because this is not the proper way to go. Compare Olsen to other players still in the league, he is wilier, smarter, more focused, more determined, and can maul everyone’s asses in an instant.

And surely, this is not the way to go.

CONGRATULATIONS, TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS!!!

GAME OVER!!!