Talk 'N Text drew another huge game from Mark Cardona to move within two wins from a finals berth last night when the Phone Pals trounced Red Bull for the second straight time, 106-98, in their PBA Fiesta Cup semifinal series at the Araneta Coliseum. Cardona pumped in 28 points, hauled 10 rebounds and dished five assists as the Phone Pals took a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series with the Bulls, who are two losses away from getting dethroned.

The Phone Pals' import James Sullinger also scattered 31 points, joining hands with Cardona in the second half to put away Red Bull, which dominated the opening 24 minutes.

"We wanted to take the lead in the series," said TNT coach Derrick Pumaren. "I think we frustrated them, especially on their offense."

Anthony Washington came off the bench to add 15, and Harvey Carey contributed 10 for Talk 'N Text, which capitalized on Red Bull's all-Filipino cast when import James Penny was forced to sit out most of the fourth quarter because of foul trouble

. Junthy Valenzuela went 5-of-5 from three-point land and led the Bulls with 22 points, and Leo Najorda scored 16. James Penny, who had to sit out most of the fourth quarter with five fouls, finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Cardona, who poured a career-high 34 points in Game 2, had 11 third-quarter points to lead a blistering breakaway by Talk 'N Text, which outscored Red Bull 34-14 in the stretch to turn a 52-54 halftime deficit to a commanding 86-68 lead.

The Phone Pals led largest by 96-74 on two free throws by Sullinger, but the Bulls fought back by scoring 21 of the next 28 points to come to within 95-103 on a triple from Valenzuela.

But Cardona frustrated the Red Bull fightback, nailing his trademark teardrop shot from the side to make it 105-95 with 1:55 left. In the ensuing play, he stole the ball off Warren Ybanez to seal the Bulls' defeat. *CPT

back to top

WS organizers ready to reimburse $10,000
TnT takes 2-1 lead
La Salle spikers stun defending champions
3DJ snaps Clorox's 3-game win streak
Trayco, Tiongco keep titles, ABES' Gargarian sparkles