Talk N Text 100, Coca-Cola 82

Talk N Text got strong games by Jimmy Alapag, a perfect Harvey Carey, rookie Mark Cardona and veterans Vergel Meneses and Leo Avenido to hand the Coca-Cola Tigers its first loss 100-82 in the 2006 Gran Matador PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Harvey Carey equalled counterpart Ali Peek's performance two weeks ago by recording a perfect 8-for-8 shooting from the field. Alapag fired crucial triples in the second half to overcome a strong rally by the Tigers.

Cardona meanwhile scored in double-figure providing some defense and baskets from the inside while Meneses played his game so far in the early stages of his stint with the Phone Pals.

The Tigers got off to a slow start, trailing 20-7. But they managed to come back and reduced the deficit to 54-50 in the third period before the Phone Pals managed to dominate the final quarter, increasing the lead to as many as 20.

Talk N Text has now won their second game in three outings to move to 2-3 in the standings. Coke remains on top with 4-1, a game back at sister teams San Miguel and Purefoods.

The scores: (PBA.ph)

Talk n Text 100 – Alapag 20, Carey 17, Cardona 13, Avenido 11, Meneses 10, Taulava 10, Ferriols 8, Miller 7, Juinio 4, Villoria 0, Cantonjos 0.

Coca-Cola 82 – Peek 15, Abarrientos 13, Antonio 12, Reavis 10, Singson 8, Miranda 7, Arigo 7, Wainwright 4, Mamaril 2, Morano 2, Francisco 2.

Quarters: 26-13, 48-39, 75-64, 100-82.