MANILA: The Talk N Text Tropang Texters needed a strong finishing kick to demolish the erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-78, closing the distance with the league-leading Smart Gilas Nationals (4-0) halfway in the elimination round of the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The Texters (4-1) are now tied at second to third place in the rankings with the Alaska Aces which earlier defeated the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, 97-91. Import Paul Harris exploded with a game-high 32 points while Ali Peek and Kelly Williams chipped in 23 and 16 points respectively as the Texters nailed their fourth straight win after an opening game loss to Smart Gilas. Import Hassan Adams led the Painters with 26 points. But he suffered an undisclosed injury in the second half, forcing Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao to bench him. The Texters seized the opportunity as they went on a scoring spree after a close game to pull away for good. In the earlier match, the Aces spoiled the return of Kerby Raymundo to the Derby Ace lineup after missing 33 games as L.D. Williams sizzled with a game-high 30 points. Clutch shots by Joe Devance and LA Tenorio in the homestretch preserved the win after a furious Derby Ace rally.
