Top-seeded Tropang Texters inch closer to PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown

Ginebra import Nate Brumfield received his Best Import award prior to last night’s Game Four of the 36th PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

But in a game that the Kings badly needed, it was Brumfield’s counterpart who played like the best import.

Paul Harris carried Talk ’N Text on his shoulders as struck hard in the second half to lead his team to a huge 91-84 win as the Texters moved a game away from securing their second straight title.

Before a crowd of more than 12,000 at the Big Dome, the Texters gave the Kings a dose of their own medicine when the clawed back from a 17-point third quarter deficit to salvage a victory that gave them a big 3-1 lead in the race-to-four series.

The Kings have had several come-from-behind victories that earned them the title of being the league’s never-say-die team.

Harris spearheaded a big fightback by the Texters as he unloaded 23 of his 26 points in the second half.

“I don’t care if they win all the individual awards. What matters to me is help my team win the championship,” said Harris.

The Kings opened a 55-38 lead in the third and still had a 68-59 lead going into the fourth

Harris scored six points, while Jason Castro added four as the Texters started the fourth with a 10-2 blast that cut Ginebra’s lead to just one, 70-69.

After Brumfield’s basket, Harris scored anew and the Texters successfully stole the lead when Ranidel De Ocampo scored from underneath.

The Kings regained the lead anew on Mark Caguioa’s running shot. That proved to be the Kings’ last hurrah as Castro, Jimmy Alapag and Harris combined in a 6-0 run that put the Texters on top for good, 79-74, with 4:59 left. Castro put the Texters out of harm’s way when he made two straight baskets, towing his team to a comfortable 83-77 lead with just 2:16 left.

BOX SCORES:

TALK N EXT (91)- Harris 26, Castro 16, Reyes 11, De Ocampo 11, Alapag 11, Peek 8, Fonacier 4, Williams 2, Carey 2, Aban 0, Alvarez 0.

GINEBRA (84)- Brumfield 15, Caguioa 15, Tubid 11, Miller 11, Cortez 10, Menk 8, Intal 6, Hatfield 6, Wilson W. 2.