PRO TEXTERS FLY PAST GUAM

By Robert Balajadia

The PBA Talk ‘N Text Texters showed fans on Guam how well a professional team can function by beating out the Guam National Team 94-66 at the UOG Field House Saturday night with a large crowd showing big support for the visiting pro team from the Philippines.

Guam got the jump on the visiting pro team by leading 41-34 at the half, but the second half turned into a completely different game with the Texters going off in the 3rd quarter by outscoring Guam 33-14 to take the lead and the momentum 67-55.

Texters Matt Ganuelas took over in the 4th quarter by scoring 8 of his 12 points to put Guam away 94-66. Ganuelas stripped the ball away on a pass attempt, put the ball through Guam’s Seve Susuico’s legs, and finished with a dunk on the fast break to go up 83-63.

Susuico had an efficient game to lead Guam with 22 points despite the loss. Guam’s halftime lead was made up mostly from Susuico’s efforts as he collected 17 points in the half while going perfect from the three point line.

Texters Larry Fonacier helped spark the big run in the third quarter by scoring seven straight points to tie the game at 46, before teammate KG Canaleta would hit back-to-back threes to put the Texters up 54-46.

“We needed to pressure the ball more because [Guam] was getting anything they wanted so we wanted to put more pressure starting 90-feet from the basket and I feel like that made a big difference,” stated Foncaier on what changed at the half.

Joe Blas made his only bucket of the game on the possession after, but another three by Canaleta kept the Texters ahead 63-53 heading into the final quarter. Guam’s JP Cruz had a hot first half scoring 13 points though the streaky shooter was held without a bucket in the second half.

Kelly Williams led the balanced Texters scorers with 15 points, inducing a rim rattling alley-oop finish off an inbounds pass in the first half. Williams also flexed his air ability in the warm ups by putting on various dunks to get the Guam fans excited.

Fonacier played on Guam back in 2006 as rookie on the Red Bull team and he was more than excited to make his second trip to Guam.

“I love it here. This is a fun place to come and relax so I’ve been looking forward to this trip. We’ve got a lot of fans here so I’m looking forward to meeting all these wonderful people,” said Foncaier on his second visit.

National Team head coach EJ Calvo did have some positive takeaways from the loss with saying that, “I’m proud of these guys, I felt we played good defense, but these guys at this level with their size advantage made plays that had us guessing, like skipping the ball all the way cross court for a three in the corner. When you make those kinds of mistakes against professional players they make you pay.”

Calvo also wanted everyone to get a chance to play against a pro team so he emptied his bench to give everyone on the roster minutes.

“The talent is right there,” stated Fonacier on Guam’s national team. “Like all other national teams, you just have to work hard and work smart then you will reach your goal.”

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Guam’s Seve Susuico guarding Texters big man Kelly Williams. (photo by Rock Anciano)

Guam player JP Cruz (winner) winner of the 3 point shooting contest. (photo by Rock Anciano)

Noah Aguon enjoying the game at the UOG Fieldhouse. (photo by Rock Anciano)

MSOA officials led by Larry Fejeran (photo by Rock Anciano)

Getting ready to rumble at the FIELDHOUSE (photo by Rock Anciano)