TNT explodes in Game Two

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I think it’s stupid for all of us (that is, Philippine basketball diehards) to not see this coming.

Whether or not Barako Bull pulled out a fluke win in Game One of their Best-of-5 semifinal series, the real strength of Talk N Text showed in their second encounter. The score is a 123 to 98 blowout, which was spearheaded by Donnell Harvey’s 24 points.

But there are other things that TNT did right in this encounter. Let’s break the facts down!

THE STARTERS ARE BACK!
Jayson Castro didn’t score 27 points but Chot Reyes his happy. Harvey had 24 points which are more than what he delivered in Game One. Ranidel De Ocampo rebounded from a 4-point game to score 18. Ryan Reyes had three points in the first game but now scored 13. Kelly Williams’ production upped from three to 12. Jimmy Alapag had a scoreless game in Game One but bounced back from that game to score 12 points. Larry Fonacier had his second straight double figure game with 14 and Jared Dillinger chimed in with nine points.

A VICIOUS FOURTH QUARTER
Barako Bull was down 88 to 76 at the start of the fourth quarter but instead of chopping down Talk N Text’s lead, the Bulls fell prey to the Tropa’s mad 8-2 start. The Tropang Texters outscored Barako Bull 35 to 22 in the payoff period. You know you had it bad when guys like Rich Alvarez, Gilbert Lao, and Pamboy Raymundo enter the court and the odds are in their favor.

KELLY WILLIAMS IS OUT OF THE SERIES RIGHT?
Wrong. Kelly Williams was in the game and he gave the Tropang Texters that needed boost. While Ronald Tubid also showed up (staying true to the mind games coaches often pull), the insertion of Machine Gun Kelly proved to be TNT’s edge. The eye injury that made Chot Reyes angry was nonexistent at least for this game and it did help that Ranidel and Harvey Carey made their presence felt in this game.

THEY WERE JUST TOO POWERFUL
The Manong Brigade scored 98 points. Gabe Freeman scored 20 points, Don Allado also erupted for 20, Danny Seigle soared for 16, while Ronald Tubid and Willie Miller had ten points apiece. They also had help from their bench although Dorian Pena, Wynne Arboleda, and Mick Pennisi are only good for six points. The fact that Barako Bull did enough and still fall big means when Talk N Text is on the hunt, you better get your game on.

MANONG, MAY PROBLEMA BA?
I thought the elders of Barako Bull played well. They must work their asses more though. Apart from the offensive absentees (Wynne, Mick, and Dorian), they need to get offense from Leo Najorda. Jimbo Aquino had six pointless points but maybe Junel Baculi could use the former SSC x-factor more. Talk N Text have nine big time players in their rotation and all of these men can deliver. The only way for Barako Bull to match up with the Texters is by playing all-out from the first ball possession to the time the clock expires.

Who will take the driver seat after Game Three?

Check it out on Saturday!

Game over!