TNT shows firepower against Barako's 'Manong Republic'

Defending champion Talk 'N Text showed Barako Bull Thursday night that it has enough firepower to match the 'Manong Republic' of the Energy.


The Tropang Texters leveled their best-of-five semifinals series in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after coasting to a 123-98 win over the Energy at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.


Seven of TNT coach Chot Reyes' wards finished in double figures led by import Donnell Harvey's all-around performance of 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.

Ranidel De Ocampo tallied 18 markers while Larry Fonacier came off the bench and scattered 14 more. Ryan Reyes had 13 while Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag scored 12 each.


Jayson Castro was the last Texter in double figures with 10. Jared Dillinger, who earlier was slapped a flagrant foul, could have scored 10 or more points if he had not been ejected after getting a technical foul late in the third.


Barako controlled the game early in the first quarter with import Gabe Freeman, Don Allado and Ronald Tubid teaming up to help the Energy enjoy an eight-point lead, 21-13, with still two minutes left.

But Reyes, De Ocampo and Fonacier buried timely baskets in the opening period to keep Talk 'N Text within striking distance entering the second.

 Both teams exchanged scoring spurts early in the second quarter with neither team posting double-digit leads. An 8-2 closing run had the Texters holding on to a 55-45 halftime spread, a lead that ballooned further in the second half.


Harvey and Alapag joined the scoring fray bridging the third and fourth quarters as the Texters built a 20-point edge, 108-88, midway in the fourth.

The Energy failed to keep up with the Texters' fast-paced offense with their veterans failing to deliver at the clutch unlike in their Game One win where Danny Seigle, Wynne Arboleda, Ronald Tubid and Dorian Peña piled up the points in the payoff period.


The Tropang Texters equal the series into 1-1. The next game will be held at Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 14, 2012, Saturday.