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The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños got the better of the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 99-95, to come away with an even slate against the PBA squad in the conclusion of their two-game exhibition series yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Seemingly more focused and intent on getting back at the Texters, which handed them a 79-87 loss last Monday, the Niños rode the game-long brilliance of import Jason Forte along with the inspired efforts of local gunners Stephen Padilla and Woodrow Enriquez to down the multi-titled Chot Reyes-mentored PBA team.
Forte, who struggled in the first half of their game last Monday, started off early as he scored 17 of his 29 points in the first half, including eight in the second canto where he combined with Enriquez to overhaul an 18-21 deficit, and take a 47-42 halftime lead.
The Texters, who are preparing for the upcoming battles in the PBA Fiesta Conference, retaliated with an 8-2 salvo at the start of the third period to take a 50-49 lead behind the baskets of Ranidel de Ocampo, Harvey Carey and Jason Castro. The two teams battled to a standstill and were tied at 67-all, heading into the penultimate period.
The two squads went at it as the lead went back and forth until the Ninos gained their second wind and went on a brief 6-1 rally that put them ahead, 83-78. A shot clock-beating jumper by Padilla, a putback by Mark Ababon and a fastbreak lay-in by Padilla then erected the biggest lead of the ballgame at 10, 94-84, with 1:17 left in the game.
The Texters went on a last-ditch effort to get back into the game as they sliced the lead down to four, 92-96, but that was the closest they would come to as the Niños held on to the lead as time expired.
The Texters were led by the 16 points of Carey, the 14 of Alapag and the 13 points each made by Mark Yee and de Ocampo.
Up next for the Niños will be a two-game tiff against the 2010 PBA Philippine Cup finalist Alaska Aces starting this Friday at the University of San Carlos Gym. The game on Saturday will be held in Bogo.
