MANILA: The Talk N Text Tropang Texters short-circuited the Meralco Bolts, 92-84, Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome for their third straight win in the season-ending 2010 PBA Philippine Cup. The Bolts fell to their second loss in three games. In the opening game, the Alaska Aces also stretched their winning run to three as they shook off the challenge from the upstart Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 88-80. Like in the previous Alaska games, Joe DeVance proved to be unstoppable, once again posting a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Cyrus Baguio chipped in with 20 markers while LA Tenorio, Tony Dela Cruz and Sonny Thoss had 11 each. Thoss once again led in rebounds with 16, two nights after notching a career-high 21 rebounds in the Aces' 92-87 win over defending champion B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados. Holding a slim 41-39 lead at the half, the Aces went on an 18-8 run, sparked by Joe De Vance's two three-pointers, as they took a 59-47 advantage. The Painters rallied and succeeded in closing the gap at 56-59 after a nine-point run. They came even closer at 63-61. This fired up the Aces who then erected a 76-65 lead on four straight points from LA Tenorio. The Painters struck back behind the efforts of TY Tang and Jeff Chan, to come closer at 75-80. But that was the closest they could come as the Aces finally warded off the Painters' challenge. Rain or Shine fell to a 1-2 win
