Talk N’ Text played hard and well against the tall Qatar national team but eventually lost 73-80 in a four-nation invitational tournament in the oil and gas-rich Middle East nation.
Despite the size difference, Talk N’ Text out-rebounded the Qataris 34-33.
Tropang Texters coach Chot Reyes told the Inquirer that the referees calls were even until the last 2:30 even as poor free throw shooting contributed to the loss as Talk N’ Text missed eight free throws .
However, the Talk N’ Text squad which is preparing for a run at the championship when the new PBA season opens o n Ocyober 3 shot well from rainbow territory making 9-of-17 for a 53 percent clip with the combination of Jimmy Alapag and Larry Fonacier burying a combined 8-of-14.
Talk N’ Text had earlier beaten Kazakhstan champions Astana with five members of the national tean but lost to a much bigger and stronger Slovenia squad in their second game.
Alapag top-scored for the team with 27 points to go with 5 assists while Fonacier added 12 points and 4 assists. Kelly Williams who will be released by the team to play for the Philippine National Team in the Asian Games in November had 11 points and 7 rebounds .
Ali Peek contributed 9 points and pulled down 5 rebounds while Harvey Carey had a double eight, 8 points to go with 8 boards.
For Qatar, Toni led with 34 points and Daoud had 17 points. A point guard who is reportedly an American finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds.Reyes said Talk N’ Text finished with a 1-2 slate but “it was a great learning and boxing experience for us. We gave the Pinoys here a lot to cheer abo
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