Friday, February 22, 2008 Phone Pals beat MLKP in friendly game
THE taller and bigger Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals scored a tough win against the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers, 101-97, in a friendly game to spice Cebu City Charter Day Celebration at the Cebu Coliseum last night.
It was also the first victory for Chot Reyes since taking over the bench from Derek Pumaren during the last week of January and the fiery coach gave the Cebuano basketball fans a glimpse of what he can do as the chief tactician for the Phone Pals.
The Jewelers was on target for an upset victory and had a quick 11 points lead 15-4 after allowing TNT to lead 4-2.
However, that lead only lasted for two minutes and 16 seconds when the Phones Pals quickly dropped a searing 14-2 run for an 18-17 advantage at the 2:44 mark of the first quarter and TNT went to protect the lead until the end of the first 10 minutes.
The Jewelers were able to reclaim the lead at the 4:43 of the second quarter when Stephen Padilla scored back to back triples and Bruce Dacia scored a quick two pointer on a fast break for a 39-38 advantage.
Talk ‘N Text swiftly answered with eight straight points on its way to close the first half ahead at 51-48.
Talk ‘N Text (101) – Allado 22, Alapag 17, Cardona 14, Peek 11, Ritualao 9, Ferreria 7, Carey 6, Washington 5, Aljamal 4, De Ocampo 4. M. Lhuillier (97) – Enriquez 24, Padilla 16, Dacia 16, Basco 15, Rodriguez 11, Capati 6, Singson 5, Llanto 2, Bat-og 2. Quarters: 28-26; 51-48; 74-79; 101-97. (RCM)
