Petron Blaze Boosters Defeated Powerade Tigers 97-83

The defending champions Petron Blaze Boosters opens its title defense with an impressive win over the Powerade Tigers 97-83 on the 2012 Governors Cup. Petron Blaze Booster's import Eddie Basden led the way with 28 points on a 12 of 22 shooting from the field plus 10 rebounds. Although Basden is noted to be a defensive specialist, he made crucial baskets in the fourth to lift the Boosters against the Powerade Tigers. 

Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos contributed 17 and 16 points respectively for Petron cause. New recruit Marcio Lassiter was in the side lines as he is still nursing a fractured hand.

I was hoping to see what Lassiter and Al-Hussaini can contribute to their new teams since this two were the major reasons in the big trade this team has gone through, but sad to say Marcio is still injured, while Rabeh was able to play, but was a non factor as he was ejected early in the game after incurring a flagrant foul penalty two on Dorian Pena.

Powerade Tigers was led by their import Rashad McCants with 27 points while Powerade Tigers prolific scorer Gary David had 26 points. 

Powerade Tigers next opponent is Barako Bull Energy on May 25, 2012, while Petron Blaze Boosters takes on Meralco Bolts on May 26, 2012.

Powerade Tigers to Trade Marcio Lassiter for Petron Blaze Booster Baclao and Guevarra

With the rumors spreading of the selling Powerade Tigers, another news just pop up involving one of Powerade's "Big 3".

This really caught be by surprise. Powerade rookie Marcio Lassiter, a key contributor to the Tigers Cinderella run, is being eyed to be traded to Petron Blaze Booster for Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.

Lassiter who was pick fourth overall in this years rookie draft, was ranked third in the statistical point race in the Philippine Cup behind Petron's Arwind Santos and Tiger's teammate Gary David. Gary David, Marcio Lassiter and JVee Casio form Powerade Tiger's Big 3 which is responsible for their miraculous run to the Finals of the Philippine Cup.

Petrons Baclao and Guevarra who were drafted first and third overall in the 2010 draft have seen limited minutes in the Petron Blaze star studded lineup.

Although the deal still requires the approval of the PBA. League commissioner Chito Salud has the right to revise or veto deals that he deemed imbalanced.

Although for me this is a lopsided deal since Lassiter has proven to be a worthy player unlike Baclao and Guevarra who has yet to show their stuff, although the two as mentioned earlier as little minutes for their team.

What bothers me most is not who the Booster will trade for Lassiter, its why do the Powerade need to trade a vital piece in Lassiter to Petron? Is having a Big 3 not enough for them? Is the rumors of the sale of Powerade the reason behind this trade? Maybe the answer will come this week after the Salud decides on this trade.

Petron Blaze Wins Game 3 Thriller Over Talk N Text Tropang Texters

It was a thriller indeed last night at the Cuneta Astrodome as Petron Blaze came back from a 20 point margin and stunned defending champion Talk N Text, 95-93, on Alex Cabagnot's heroics to take a 2-1 lead in their best of seven semifinal series in the 2011-2012 Philippine Cup.

Talk N Text was full of energy from the start of the game while the Boosters plays sluggishly in the first half, but come 2nd half the Boosters were a different team, behind Denok Miranda and Arwind Santos, the Boosters came roaring back to steal game 3.

Arwind Santos led the Boosters with 25 points while Denok Miranda added 20 points.

But it was Cabagnot's dagger 3 point shot that turned the game in the Boosters favor.

"We designed teh last play for Alex, tapos second option si Arwind kung walang mangyari," said Petron head coach Ato Agustin.

It was a heart breaking loss for the Tropang Texters who led most of the way, and even lead by 20 (46-26) with 4:37 in the second quarter. But the Booster finish strong in the first half to trim the Texters lead to 48-38.

Larry Fonacier had a chance to put the Texters on top but eh missed a three pointer, which led to a split free throw from rookie Chris Lutz that gave Petron a 95-93 lead with 2.6 seconds left in the final quarter.

The Texters had another chance to win the game but Ranidel de Ocampo's three pointer at the buzzer miss.

Ranidel de Ocampo is the high point man for the Texters with 20 points.

Game 4 will be on January 11, 2012 Wednesday.

ALASKA GUNS FOR 3-0 LEAD AGAINST SMB

Never expected this from the beginning , I thought this would be a tight match that will stretch to until game 7. But Alaska has other plans in mind, after being swept by Purefoods on the All Filipino Finals, they are now up 2-0 against the fancied SMB team and is gunning for a 3-0.

Cant wait to go home early tonight to watch the game, and also to see who wins the MVP this year. Also to be awarded tonight will be the Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Mythical Selections and the All Defensive Team.

But of course the highlight will be game 3 of the finals match. I just hope for SMB that Gabe Freeman won't be in foul trouble again, because he really is the spark that SMB needs to overcome the Aces.

SMART GILAS DOWNED POWERADE TEAM PILIPINAS

Is is the future of Philippine basketball were seeing? Maybe.. But last night, the young ones prevailed over the grizzled veterans.

Smart Gilas defeated the Powerade Team Pilipinas by 98-69. Watching last nights game i never thought it would be this lopsided, but considering the Powerade team haven't even practice a session together and the absence of key players Kelly Williams, Mick Pinnisi, Arwind Santos and this year MVP Jayjay Helterbrand. I just hope that what Smart Gilas have shown last night would carry them to the next Olympics. Although it would be a tall order, a very tall one, since they would have to defeat powerhouse countries like Iran, China, Lebanon, Jordan and more.

But going back to last night game. Smart Gilas a team who is working together for quite sometime now played a notch higher than the hastily reassembled Powerade Team Pilipinas. The special event, organized by the SBP in cooperation with its principal stake holders and the Araneta Center management, drew over P2 million in gate receipts and cash donations by individuals, including SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan and Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero.

Japeth Aguilar led all scorers with 24 points with Mac Baracael contributing 10 points, Dylan Ababou nine and Mark Barroca and JV Casio eight apiece for Smart Gilas.

James Yap paced the PBA selection with 17 points on 8-of-19 field-goal shooting.

NBA GENERATIONS TEAM DOWN PBA ALL STARS

Dominique Wilkins, though slowed down by the passing years, lead the NBA Generations team to a 109-86 beat down of the PBA All Star in Manila, Philippines.

Dominique Wilkins who is know to all as "The Human Highlight Film" lead the NBA Generations team with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist. While the PBA All Star was led by "The Triggerman" Allan Caidic with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the opening quarter with Patrimonio sharing nine points and eight rebounds and Magsanoc adding eight points and three assists.

The PBA starting five of Caidic, Patrimonio, Wynne Arboleda, Arwind Santos and Asi Taulava held their own against Wilkins, Horry, Divac, Hardaway and Billy Thomas in a free-wheeling contest early on, giving the host team a 26-25 edge in the first quarter.

The fans had great fun then specially with Patrimonio knocking down a trey in his first attempt then Caidic taking over, rifling in five straight triples.

The Filipinos kept the game close through the second quarter before the Americans stepped up the tempo and slowly pulled away in the match.

Robert Horry, Tim Hardaway and Vlade Divac displayed flashes of brilliance as their contributions in the game serving as the Manila leg final tour of the NBA legends Asian tour which had its initial stop in Korea a week ago.

Horry converted two of three three-point attempts and finished with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists, Hardaway got eight assists, seven points, and four rebounds while Divac put in eight rebounds, six points and two assists.

“I had a fun time. I enjoyed it. It’s been more than 10 years since I played in a game with a real competitive atmosphere,” said Wilkins