There was a sense of satisfaction in the way Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black talked Friday night.

It wasn’t only because his Tropang Texters zoomed to a 5-0 record in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations after dismantling Meralco, 91-68, but more in the way they carved out the swashbuckling victory at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

“If there’s one thing I’m really happy about is we’re not really shooting well but we’re still winning games,” Black said after his Tropang Texters held the Bolts to a franchise-low mark in points in an import-spiced tournament.

“The thing that’s different (with us) from last conference is that we were scoring (in the Philippine Cup) but our defense was suspect,” he said after allowing just two Meralco players to score in twin digits.

Ranidel De Ocampo typified the Texters’ dominance on the defensive end when he shackled talented Meralco import to just 16 points – only seven in the final three periods – as Talk ’N Text broke away.

Meralco actually played with control early behind the hot-shooting Butch, only for the Talk ‘N Text defense to click as the Texters held the Bolts to just nine second quarter points.

“Going into this game, our defensive game plan was complicated because of the talent of Brian Butch,” said Black, referring to the ability of the Meralco import to open up their defense because of his accurate three-point shot.

But that was before De Ocampo buckled down to work as Butch didn’t connect on a three-point shot for the rest of the game, missing his last seven attempts after making his first two tries.

“Ranidel established our defensive intensity early by playing good defense on Brian Butch,” Black continued.

John Wilson was the only other player to score in twin digits for the Bolts, who dropped to a 2-2 card and were caught by Barangay Ginebra in a fourth place tie after the Gin Kings scored a 113-107 victory over Globalport later in the night.

De Ocampo also finished with 15 points and led all Talk ’N Text shooters.

There were also four others who scored 11 or more for Black, which made him dismiss import Richard Howell’s 13-point effort as something that he was “not really concerned about.”

“I am not really concerned about it (Howell’s scoring), because we have a local lineup that can score points,” explained Black, whose wards have defeated some of the more formidable teams in the field.

“I’m more concerned with his defense and rebounds. If we want to end up on top again, we have to focus on defense.”

Howell grabbed a night-high 22 rebounds as the Texters dominated the battle of the boards, 61-50, while doubling up on the Bolts in assists, 18-9.

Incidentally, the latest Talk ’N Text win sealed the franchise’s best start in an import-flavored conference.

Leon Rodgers fired 33 points and had 13 rebounds in leading the Gin Kings to the impressive victory against the Batang Pier.

Mark Caguioa, the MVP two seasons ago and Ginebra’s heart-and-soul, was also splendid with 15 points and 14 boards, scoring the bulk of his total in the middle two quarters where the Kings grabbed control.

Jay-Jay Helterbrand fired 14, LA Tenorio had 11, nine rebounds and five assists, and Japeth Aguilar completed the third double-double for the Kings with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Evan Brock paced the Batang Pier with 36 points and 17 boards and Alex Cabagnot stepped out of his shell to fire 16 – his best game since being acquired by Globalport from San Miguel for Sol Mercado before the start of the conference.

But Globalport still fell after shooting poorly in the stretch where it had a chance to win the game.

Meanwhile, San Mig Coffee shoots for a third straight win Saturday afternoon when the Mixers clash with Rain or Shine at 5:15 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

San Miguel Beer also sees action, colliding with dangerous Barako Bull in the 2:45 p.m. game.