MANILA, Philippines – Rookie Moala Tautuaa gave everyone a sneak peak of what could possibly be his bright future in Philippine basketball.
The top overall pick in the 2015 PBA Draft on Sunday, December 6, played the best game of his career to date, finishing with 27 points and 8 rebounds off the bench to lead the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 95-85.
Talk ’N Text opened the game on a stong 17-0 run and dominated it all throughout, improving its record to to 5-3 while Rain or Shine dropped to 6-2.
Troy Rosario, the number two pick of the draft, was also impressive with his 19 points and 11 rebounds while Larry Fonacier and Jayson Castro registered 9 points each. Matt-Ganuelas Rosser also played well, posting 8 points.
Rain or Shine shot 0-of-15 from downtown in the first half, an all-time PBA worst for most attempts from 3-point range in a half without a make, according to PBA statistician Fidel Mangonon.
The Elasto Painters, who played without the injured Paul Lee, were led by the 13 points and 14 boards of Raymond Almazan. Jericho Cruz also played well with 14 points and 6 boards, while Jeff Chan posted 15 off the bench.
Rain or Shine will face Alaska on Friday, December 11, while Talk ’N Text will deal with San Miguel on Saturday, December 12.
Scores:
Talk ’N Text (95): Tautuaa 27, Rosario 19, Fonacier 9, Castro 9, Rosser 8, Reyes R. 8, Carey 4, Miranda 4, Williams 4, Aban 3, Reyes J. 0.
Rain or Shine (85): Quinahan 21, Chan 15, Cruz 14, Almazan 13, Ahanmisi 8, Trollano 5, Belga 3, Nimes 2, Norwood 2, Matias 1, Tiu 1, Ibanes 0, Ponferada 0.
Quarter scores: 34-11, 50-27, 70-54, 95-85 – Rappler.com