Monday, June 09, 2008 Tigers boost lead; TNT shops for new import
MANILA - The Coca-Cola Tigers held Talk ‘N Text to only three points in the last five minutes to pull off a close 103-96 win yesterday to remain on top in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Imports Jason Dixon, Donald Copeland and Alex Cabagnot conspired in a fiery 16-3 run down the stretch to notch the Tigers’ ninth win in 14 matches and move just four games away from claiming the first automatic semifinal slot.
The Phone Pals were ahead 93-87 when the Tigers struck with straight baskets highlighted by three triples to hand Talk ‘N Text its seventh setback in 14 games.
The 6-foot-9 Dixon finished with 30 points on top of 8 rebounds, two blocks and an assist, while Cabagnot settled with 21 points, 5 rebounds, two assists and a steal. The 5-foot-11 Copeland added 19 points, one rebound, 4 assists and one block.
Disappoinment
Mac-Mac Cardona topscored for the Phone Pals with 24 points but the 6-foot-9 import Aaron McGhee was a big disappointment when he could only managed 15 points, 11 rebounds and a lone assist.
Jimmy Alapag also contributed 15 points for Talk ‘N Text, while Ren-Ren Ritualo and Yancy De Ocampo had 14 points, each.
After Dixon scored from under the basket, Mark Macapagal connected a triple on top of the key to move the Tigers to within 92-93, still 4:19 remaining.
But Ritualo missed a hurried jumper in the return play paving way for Cabagnot to score the Tigers’ 11th triple in the match as Coke grabbed the lead anew, 95-93, only 3:36 left in the match.
Cardona retaliated with his own triple to retake the lead, 96-95, but that proved later on to be the Phone Pals last basket as Cabagnot, Copeland and Dixon were unstoppable with their 8-0 wind up.
Meanwhile, in its effort to make it to the finals, a reliable source told Sun.Star Cebu the Talk ‘N Text management is bent on replacing the 6-foot-9 McGhee with the 6-foot-9 Terrence Leather.
Reports also said that Leather has just arrived yesterday from a successful stint in the professional league in South Korea and will suit up with the Phone Pals in their next game. (FCC)
