PBA Finals: Talk ‘N Text wins all-Filipino title

MANILA, Philippines – In the end, Talk ‘N Text showed its poise down the stretch then watched Alaska choke and self-destruct in the stretch.

Talk ‘N Text held on to beat a resilient Alaska side, 93-89, to claim the KFC Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday in front of an overflow crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was the Tropang Texters’ second all-Filipino crown after winning the 2003 edition and third overall title since winning the 1998 Centennial Cup, a special tournament put up to train the Philippine national team in time for the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mark Cardona, who was named the most valuable player in the best-of-seven championship series, led the scoring for Talk ‘N Text with 23 points.

It was also a fitting end to Tropang Texters owner Manny V. Pangilinan’s quest for a PBA title as he completed his own Triple Crown after Ateneo and San Beda, the other two teams he supported, won the UAAP and NCAA crowns.

Both teams battled like there's no tomorrow and exchanged shots as the game entered its final two minutes.

Ranidel De Ocampo, who nearly fumbled the ball, recovered and hit a mid-range jumper to knot the count for the last time at 89-89 time down to 2:14.

Talk 'N Text tightened up its defense at the other end resulting to a 24-second shotclock violation by Alaska.

In the next play, Harvey Carey scored underneath for a 91-89 Texters lead with 1:29 left.

That was when the Aces choked as Joe De Vance and best player of the conference Willie Miller missed their field goal attempts and free throws.

Jimmy Alapag sealed the win canning two charities for the final tally. – GMANews.TV