MANILA, 22 June 2004 — Willie Miller scattered a career-high 33 points to lead Talk N’ Text to a 119-115 victory over Red Bull Barako on Sunday in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
The Most Valuable Player two years ago was at his fieriest during the fourth quarter when he scored 12 points, none bigger than the clutch triple that insured the win.
The Pals were holding a slim 116-115 lead when the 5-foot-9 guard out of Letran sank the all-important trey, courtesy of a drive-and-draw play made possible by sophomore Jimmy Alapag.
Miller’s heroics more than made up for the absence of import Jerald Honeycutt and main man Asi Taulava, both of whom served out a one game suspension for figuring in an endgame brawl during the Pals’ 127-115 win over the US Pro-Am selection last Wednesday.
“In every game, there’s a winner and a loser,” said Miller as he evaded answering a question surrounding the win over his former team. The Phone Pals acquired Miller from the Barakos in an off-season trade.
The Barakos appeared to be in control until the final three minutes when they led 115-112.
But they never scored again as forced shots and miscues marred the Barakos’ offensive plays, paving the way for the Phone Pals’ endgame comeback.
An alley-hoop by Mark Telan off a perfect feed by Miller gave the Phone Pals the lead for good 116-115, with a minute remaining.
Robert Wainwright, meanwhile, came up with clutch hustle plays at endgame as the Coca-Cola Tigers overcame several double-digit deficits and made it three-of-three against the Ginebra Kings 90-91 this conference.
Both the Phone Pals and the Tigers completed a three-game sweep in the brief quarterfinal round, and will enjoy momentum and possibly the right frame of mind as they take on the Kings and the Thunder at the start of the semis Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Coaches Joel Banal of Talk N’ Text and Chot Reyes of Coca-Cola said they have their jobs cut out for them in the semis.
“Ginebra is big and could match up well with us,” said Banal of the Kings.
“Historically, we have a terrible record against Red Bull. Obviously, they are really, really tough because of big guys Davonn Harp, Mick Pennisi, Enrico Villanueva and import Victor Thomas who can play from the outside, wings, post and practically anywhere on the floor,” said Reyes of the Thunder.
“Red Bull was supposed to win the game but an abnormal thing happened,” said Banal.
“We’re playing without pressure. It’s a case of just playing and enjoying the game for us. Red Bull, meanwhile, had little pressure. That could have been the story of the game,” Banal added.
