MANILA — With vengeance in mind, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings blasted the team that handed them a shameful defeat in the elimination round, kicking out the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 95-78, Friday night to advance to the second phase of the quarterfinals in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. The Kings thus found themselves pitted against the Talk N Text Tropang Texters in a knockout game Sunday to decide who will face the San Miguel Beermen in a seven-game semifinals series. Once again the twin towers of Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter led the Kings. Aguilar had 19 points, seven rebounds and six blocks while Slaughter had a double double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Veteran gunner Mark Caguioa added 15 points while Mac Baracael chipped in 10 markers. GlobalPort started out strong with Terrence Romeo scoring 12 points in the first quarter alone on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting clip. The Batang Pier had an eight-point lead, 23-15, at the end of the first quarter. After Joseph Yeo tied the game at 27-all with a three-pointer early in the second quarter, the Kings began asserting their might, scoring 16 unanswered points to erect a double-digit lead. The Ginebra lead ballooned to 21 points in the third quarter, 56-35, dousing every rally that GlobalPort could muster. Talk N Text, 105, Barako Bull 76 The Talk N Text Tropang Texters walloped the demoralized Barako Bull Energy, 105-76, to advance to the second phase of the quarterfinals. With all guns ablaze coupled with an airtight defense, the Texters had little trouble sending the Energy crashing out of the conference. Five Texters scored in double digits led by two rookies, Matt Ganuelas Rosser and Kevin Alas, who scored 19 and 14 points, respectively. Jason Castro added 14 while Larry Fonacier and big man Rob Reyes chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Reyes also had 11 rebounds. The Energy were hardly in the game as they appeared lost without the presence of big man Mick Pennisi, who was traded to Purefoods just days ago, and rookie hotshot Jeric Fortuna, who was traded earlier to San Miguel Beer. The Texters shot a sizzling 51 percent from the field, leading by as many as 35 points, while holding the Energy to just 33 percent shooting. JC Intal and Willy Wilson led Barako Bull with 16 and 15 points, respectively. The Energy's top two gunners, Denok Miranda and RR Garcia, combined for just 13 points on 6-of-24 shooting from the field. Games Sunday (Quarters, second phase): Alaska Aces vs. Meralco Bolts and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings vs. Talk N Text Tropang Texters.
