MANILA — The Talk N Text Tropang Texters whipped up a storm in the second quarter and then held off a spirited Rain or Shine comeback to run away with a 103-94 victory in Game 5 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The Texters thus seized a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and could wrap it all up and claim their seventh PBA crown with another victory Sunday. Once again, the triumvirate of Ranidel de Ocampo, import Ivan Johnson and Best Player of the Conference Jayson Castro spearheaded the TNT onslaught that overwhelmed the Painters. De Ocampo and Johnson posted 27 points each. Castro finished with a near double-double 15 points and a personal Finals-high nine assists. Larry Fonacier added 12 points. De Ocampo was at his deadliest in the second half, scoring on a variety of shots that bewildered ROS defenders. The Painters started hot, racing to an early 20-11 lead. But the Texters came charging back to seize the lead 27-26. The Painters regained the lead, 29-27, as the first quarter ended. The second quarter was a completely different story though as the Texters began pouring on the points while smothering the Painters on defense. TNT outscored ROS, 29-13, in the second quarter as the Texters began the third quarter with a 14-point lead, 56-42. TNT extended its lead to as high as 20 points, 67-47, clearly intent on blowing the Painters off the court. Despite finding themselves at the bottom of a deep abyss, the tough-as-nail Painters fought back to cut the deficit to five points late in the final quarter. But the Texters managed to hold on to their lead as the Painters ran out of time and firepower. Import Wayne Chism led Rain or Shine with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Paul Lee added 19 while Ryan Arana chipped in 10 markers. Game Sunday: Talk N Text Tropang Texters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Game 6 of best-of-seven Finals; TNT up, 3-2).
