Getting past Petron Blaze in the semifinals seemed to rouse the conqueror among the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters as they blasted away Powerade Tigers, 116-110, in Game One of the best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup Finals as the Sports, Cultural & Business Center of Davao del Sur last night.

Capitalizing on the absence of JV Casio from the Tigers’ lineup and tightening their defense on Gary David, the Texters zoomed to a 38-21 opening quarter lead before taking the half at 68-52.

Even with the harrowing best-of-seven semis duel against Petron, Talk ‘N Text came out as lethal as they were two nights ago, when they pulled off an amazing victory after trailing 1-3 in the series.

Talk ‘N Text hopes to set another record in the PBA to become the first team in 27 years to register a back-to-back all-Filipino title.

With Casio resting his injured right hamstring, Powerade’s offense slowed down with David limited to 19 points at the end of the game, his lowest output so far in the plaoff.

Tropang Texters also unleashed a barrage of triples, 10 of them in the first half, to overpower the Tigers.

Coach Chot Reyes admitted that the absence of Casio aided the TNT in Game One but he said his team will be ready when he returns Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for Game Two.

Showing dominance all throughout the game, six Texters scored in double digit with Jason Castro leading the pack with 23 points, Ryan Reyes and Jarred Dillinger with 15 points each, Larry Fonacier and Ranidel De Ocampo with 14 apiece and Ali Peek, 13 points. Jimmy Alapag tallied 9 points.

Powerade tried to match TNT’s pace but fell behind with Sean Anthony topscoring for the Tigers with 23 points, while Marco Lassiter added 19, Lingganay 13, and Kramer, 12 points.*NAB

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Talk ‘N Text prevails in Game One
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