By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Talk 'n Text nearly lost a 25-point cushion before holding on to a 101-93 win against Alaska in the nightcap of the PBA Commissioner's Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters led, 71-46, in the third quarter, but the Aces rallied to cut the lead to five, 95-90, with 27.8 seconds left in the fourth.
Late free throws helped sealed the win for Talk 'n Text, which forced a three-way tie with Rain Or Shine, a 119-99 winner over Kia in the earlier match, and idle Purefoods at the top of the standings with identical 8-3 slates.
The Tropang Texters finished the eliminations at second place after the quotient system was applied, joining the Elasto Painters as the teams with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Ivan Johnson scored 47 points and grabbed ten rebounds to lead Talk 'n Text.
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