MANILA - Macmac Cardona fired 35 points to guide defending champion Talk ‘N Text to a 103-94 triumph over the Coca-Cola Tigers in the 35th PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

The 6’3 Cardona scored heavily in the third period with 10 points to start the Tropang Texters rise to the top from a seven-point deficit at the half. His big 35-point surge was so far the highest by any player in the conference.

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“Coming to his game, I was worried about Jared (Dillinger) and Harvey (Carey). Jared tolerated the pain in his rib and so did Harvey. They really played well tonight,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes.

The Tropang Texters, trying to bounce back after losing to Purefoods, 108-102, last Sunday, started strong as they took an early 27-19 upperhand in the first period, but suddenly went cold.

“We started well but there were three factors that made it hard for us the rest of the way. I don’t know how this would affect our next game,” added Reyes, referring to their encounter against Barako Bull on Friday.

With the victory, the Tropang Texters regained their share of fourth with the Giants with a 3-2 record. The Tigers dropped to 9th with 1-4 card.

“I learned from my coach Chot (Reyes) that life in the PBA is just short. So I made it a point to always give my best every game because I will never know when it will last,” said Cardona, a former De La Salle Green Archers.

After Cardona nailed the last deadlock at 61-, the 6-3 Dillinger scored on a drive to regain the lead for the TNT.