Mark Cardona exploded for 30 points as Talk N' Text moved on the threshold of the PBA Fiesta Conference finals with a 112-111 victory over Red Bull in Game 5 of their best-of seven semifinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last night.

Cardona went 10-for-12 from the field as he breached the 30-point mark for the second time in the series. He also dished out five assists.

But it was JJ Sullinger, who took matters into his own hands with the game on the line, scoring 10 of his team's last 12 points in the final two minutes. With Red Bull up by four points, the charismatic Talk 'N Text import completed a three-point play then knocked in an eight-footer to give the Phone Pals a 105-104 lead.

Celino Cruz put Red Bull back in front with a floater but Sullinger knocked in a three-pointer 13 seconds later to put TNT ahead to stay, 108-106, with 58 seconds remaining.

Jay Washington added 19 and Don Allado and Felix Belano had 12 apiece for the Phone Pals, who could wrap up the series on Sunday.

"Definitely, Red Bull will not just roll and die. So we have to come out with the same intensity and focus," Phone Pals coach Derick Pumaren said.

After a four-point first half, James Penny warmed up in the second half to lead all scorers with 31 points. Cyrus Baguio added 18 and Mike Hrabak contributed 17 for the Barakos, who played without defensive guard Junthy Valenzuela in the second half.

The Phone Pals appeared to be headed for a blowout win when they built a 75-62 advantage with under four minutes to play in the third.

But Penny, who struggled with his game in the first half, slowly regained his bearings and helped the defending champions get back into the game.

It looked like Red Bull had a lock on the victory after two free throws by Baguio gave the Barakos a 104-99 lead with 2:59 left. But they couldn't sustain the run when the Phone Pals came charging back.

With Cardona scattering 20 points in the first half, the Phone Pals dictated the pace and led by 11 late in the second quarter before settling for a 59-53 lead at halftime. *www.pba.ph

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