Talk n’ Text import Richard Howell wrecked havoc in the paint in his debut game as the Tropang Texters demolished Alaska, 85-72 in the opening day of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6’7 Howell posted a monstrous 15 points and 30 rebounds performance to lead TNT, which had a third quarter storm to deny the first game of the defending champions Aces .
“It’s a great start for us. Happy for the team happy for our import. He is not really a great offensive player but he is a good defender and good rebounder,” said TNT head coach Norman Black. (Statement from http://sports.inquirer.net/)
Alaska opened the payoff period strong by unloading a 10-2 spurt after Calvin Abueva banged in a triple beating the shot clock to trim its deficit to just 12 points.
But Howell and Jimmy Alapag both completed three-point play in the ensuing possessions sandwiching a Sonny Thoss basket to put TNT’s lead back to 80-64 with 3:54 left.
The Texters then pulled away for good as the Aces, who were outrebounded and outgunned in the third canto, did not make any serious uprising the rest of the way.
Ranidel De Ocampo also had a splendid game with 21 points while Jason Castro and Alapag chipped in 12 and 11 markers respectively.
Reinforcement Robert Dozier and Abueva finished the night with 16 points apiece for the Aces.
Earlier, Air21 held steadier in the end game as the Express survived GlobalPort Batang Pier, 83-78 to open their campaign on a winning note.
Import HerveLamizana had impressive debut registering 22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Express, who spoiled Coach Pido Jarencio’s debut for Global Port.
The Scores:
First Game:
Air21 (83) – Lamizana 22, Yeo 21, Taulava 14, Cardona 11, Borboran 6, Villanueva 4, Burtscher 2, Sharma 2, Atkins 1, Jaime 0, Poligrates 0, Matias 0, Camson 0, Manuel 0.
Global Port (78) – Brock 28, Chua 10, Washington 9, Macapagal 8, Custodio 8, Cbagnot 4, Garcia 4, Romeo 3, Yee 2, Salva 2, Nabong 0, Ponferada 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscoring: 22-14, 40-45, 66-56, 83-78
Second Game:
TNT (85)—De Ocampo 21, Howell 15, Castro 12, Alapag 11, Canaleta 9, R.y Reyes 8, Fonacier 5, Ro. Reyes 2, Carey 2, Baclao 0.
Alaska (72) – Dozier 16, Abueva 16, Baguio 13, Thoss 8, Jazul 7, Casio 5, Espinas 3, Dela Cruz 2, Hontiveros 2.
Quarterscores: 22-22, 45-35, 73-53, 85-72
