Talk 'n' Text closes out Game 5, Pinoy Cup champs anew

In a game that featured Powerade Tigers' Gary David, KKS' Bataan Bomber, scoring 37 points and fighting tooth and nail to salvage another win, the Cinderella run has finally come to an end via a 101-110 loss to the newly-minted Philippine Cup champions (for the third straight year) the Talk 'n' Text Tropang Texters.

5x coach of the year Chot Reyes leads Texters to another title

David's "supernova" effort was matched by the now 100% healthy, Ryan Reyes who broke PBA records with 10 steals in this crucial match while also adding 20 points and 8 rebounds. The Energizer was all over the court in this one, bringing back scary images of TNT's 2011 title(s) romp when he served as the team's defensive anchor on the perimeter to complement Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro (who also looked to be healthy in this series after starting the conference limping).

In a game that was pretty much a "win or go home" for the Tigers, David failed to receive the usual support he draws from super rookies JVee Casio and Marcio Lassiter who looked a bit tentative and tight before waxing hot in the 4th. Lassiter, for his part, couldn't get into a steady rhythm on the floor because of foul trouble.

Then came Mr. Doug-ble-double, Doug Kramer's vanishing act. 3 points and 3 rebounds after a string of monstrous efforts in the post? Unacceptable. TNT's bigs were challenged to do better after their paltry Game 4 showing, but that doesn't excuse Kramer from doing his part for the Tigers-- being the only serviceable big. Rommel Adducul tried, but he's on his last wheels and can't be expected to outhustle TNT's Kelly Williams, Harvey Carey, Ali Peek and Ranidel de Ocampo.

People are already speculating that Kramer's abysmal performance was "fixed," but let's give the guy the benefit of a doubt. He's been the Tigers' key post player up to this point, and it's just really unfortunate that he suffered his worst outing in such a crucial game.

TNT won the game early, bent on not giving the Tigers a chance but as they've always said, the three point shot is the "great equalizer" and come 4th quarter, David and Casio were knocking them down like men on a mission.

Good thing though, that TNT kept its overall composure and didn't engage the Tigers' in an endgame shootout (as they've done the previous games) and opted to rotate the ball. Ryan Reyes' timely defensive stops, crisp passes, rebounds and nakaw fastbreak play finally broke the Tigers' will which led to Lassiter fouling out of the game.

All in all, Game 5 showed the difference between a team that has the firepower to withstand all odds going up against a team that relied heavily on 3s-- which ultimately, became it's undoing.

Nothing to be ashamed of on the Tigers' front, they over-achieved and were even able to win a game versus a powerhouse team that rallied in time-- hurdling injuries, a gun shooting incident and even an almost insurmountable 1-3 deficit against the heavy favorites going into the semis.

Larry Fonacier being named Finals MVP was well-deserved. Once coach Chot Reyes called his number in an effort to slow down Gary David (easier said than done), Fonacier rose to the occasion and was even able to hold his own and make David work-- averaging 16 points in five games.

Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro had their moments, but none as consistently as Fonacier who proved yet again that you just can't teach championship poise and clutch.

Congratulations to the Powerade Tigers and the Bataan Bomber for putting a great show, and to the Tropang Texters for what seems like an even bigger, better grand slam bid now that the guys are healthy.

PS

As of January 29, 2011: TNT Gilbert Lao: 5 6 PBA titles. Powerade Gary David: 0.