MANILA, Philippines -- Shawn Daniels delivered an all-around performance for Talk ‘N Text to lead his team to a 100-92 win over Alaska Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Daniels finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 3 blocks as the Tropang Texters improved to 2-2 and spoiled the impressive debut of Aces import Diamon Simpson.

Simpson recorded 36 points and 25 rebounds to be the first import to debut with a 30-20 mark since Barangay Ginebra’s Chris Porter (31 points and 24 boards), who achieved the feat in 2005-06 season of the same tournament.

But the former St. Mary’s standout failed to get the needed support from the locals as Alaska fell behind by as much as 26 points late in the 3rd period.

“As I’ve said, we approached this game as adventure because we didn’t know what to expect from their import and Sam Eman,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.

“But we are prepared to adjust and we really wanted to win this for our boss (Manny V. Pangilinan). As we all know the issue [plagiarism] surrounding him. The best way to make him happy is to win. I hope this help brings the smile back in his face,” he added.

Mark Cardona added 20 points and 7 assists for the Texters while Harvey Carey and Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 16 and 15 points respectively.

Joe Devance scored 14 points for the Aces. Willie Miller had 12 on 4-of-11 shooting while Tony dela Cruz chipped in 11.

Alaska, which lost to Purefoods in the Philippine Cup finals, came from a 35-day break and were rusty at the start of the game.

Llamados dump Realtors
All-Filipino champion Derby Ace, formerly Purefoods Tender Juicy, hardly showed any ill effects of a long break after surviving the late run of Sta. Lucia Realty and held on for an 86-78 win.

Like Alaska, the Llamados had a more than a month’s break after playing in the finals in the previous tournament. They, however, came up with the same intensity that won them the crown.

Lorenzo Wade had a fine debut for Derby Ace with 20 points and 10 rebounds but it was Nino Canaleta’s 18-point performance in 18 minutes off the bench that helped the Llamados secure the win.

“KG (Canaleta) was able to fill up the shoes of Kerby (Raymundo),” said head coach Ryan Gregorio who also got 18 points from James Yap.

Raymundo sat out due to a right leg injury but Derby Ace hardly missed his absence with Canaleta providing the help.

Anthony Johnson led the Realtors with 26 points while Ryan Reyes and Kelly Williams added 12 apiece. Sta. Lucia fell to 1-3.