MANILA — The Talk N Text Tropang Texters moved a step closer to the Finals of the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup, whipping the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 94-87, Wednesday night to erect a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-5 semifinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome. The Texters could finish off the Painters in Game 3 Friday. The Texters nailed their 12th straight win in the conference at the expense of a Rain or Shine squad crippled by the loss to injury of two more key players — import Wayne Chism and forward Jervy Cruz. Before that, the Painters were already missing JR Quinahan and Chris Tiu, both suffering minor medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. The biggest blow for Rain or Shinne came in the second quarter when the high-scoring Chism fell awkwardly on the floor after being fouled on a rebound play by his TNT counterpart Richard Howell. The 6'8” former Tennessee standout grimaced in pain as he was led to the team's dugout. Chism's left knee swelled, indicating a sprain in his MCL. Chism failed to return in the game and was due for an MRI exam at a hospital. Chism already tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocked shots when he left the game with 5:11 left in the second quarter. Despite their handicap, the Painters put up a gallant fight, staying within striking distance of the top-seeded Texters for most parts of the match. But there was no denying Talk N Text's victory despite the foul-plagued and sloppy performance of Howell, who could only produce 12 points. Howell eventually fouled out with 4:09 left in the fourth quarter. With their import unable to deliver, the Texters went to Ranidel de Ocampo who scored a game-high 20 points aside from grabbing seven rebounds. The TNT backcourt duo of Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag also wreaked havoc on Rain or Shine, with Castro drilling 19 points and Alapag adding 14. Former PBA MVP Kelly Williams was also at his best, tallying 14 points and 13 rebounds. With 3:36 left, the Painters managed to cut the Texters' lead to three, 87-84. But De Ocampo answered with a turnaround fadeaway jumper and then Williams slashed the lane for a layup to put TNT in full control of the match, 91-85, with a minute left. Frontliners Beau Belga and Raymond Almazan fought bravely for Rain or Shine but were eventually overpowered by the mightier Texters. Belga finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Almazan had 12 points and 16 boards. The Texters limited Rain or Shine gunner Paul Lee to 10 points on a miserable 3-of-15 shooting from the field. They also shut out Jeff Chan who had just two measly points on a forgettable 1-of-9 shooting. Game Thursday: Air21 vs. San Mig Coffee (Game 2 of best-of-5 semifinals with Express up 1-0).
