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.

Powerade Tigers Wins Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Against Rain or Shine

The Powerade Tigers take the lead of their semifinal duel against Rain or Shine with a 104-99 win in overtime.

The Powerade Tigers well known for their offensive prowess relied of a superb defensive effort especially in overtime to take a 2-1 lead of the series. This is the first time in the series Rain or Shine was held below 100 points.

The man responsible for this win is no other than Powerade main man Gary David, who is on fire who scored 31 points for the Tigers his fifth 30 point showing this conference.

Rain or shine was still in command with a 3 point lead with 14.6 seconds left in the final quarter. When Rain or Shine rookie Paul Lee fouled David while attempting a three pointer. Gary David swished the three bonus shots to tie the score at 97 with 10 seconds remaining.

In the next play the Tigers force the ball out of Paul Lee, forcing the rookie to pass it to Belga who miss his jumper. Game officials reviewed Belga's last shot and gave the Tiger's 0.6 sec since the ball hit the shot clock, but Doug Kramer missed a well designed play inside the lane, forcing the game into overtime.

Rain or Shine was led by prolific rookie Paul Lee with 19 points. Jeff Chan and Jervy Cruz chipped in 17 points a piece.

Marcio Lassiter added 14 points while Sean Anthony and Doug Kramer each had 12 for Powerade. Game 4 will be on Tuesday January 10, 2012.

Rain or Shine Tames Powerade Tigers to take Game 1 of Semis Duel

I consider Rain or Shine to be the dark horse of this conference, especially with their rookie Paul Lee, as for Powerade they completely surprise me with their win over top seed B-Meg on the quarters.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took game 1 of their best of seven semifinal bout against Powerade Tigers 114-97.

As expected of Powerade after their moral boosting win over top seed B-Meg. They came out firing, led by their main man Gary David. Gary David already had 17 point in the first half leading his team to a 54-43 halftime lead.

But it was a different Rain or Shine in the second half, led by their rookie sensation Paul Lee and sharpshooting Jeff Chan. Rain or Shine exploded for 45 points in the 3rd quarter, and finishing with a whooping 71 points in the second half to take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven duel.

Rain or Shine was led by Jeff Chan with 27 points and rookie Paul Lee with 25 points (22 of those came in the 2nd half).

Gary David led Powerade Tigers with 30 points but sorely miss Lassiter's production who only scored 2 points the entire match.

Game 2 will be on Friday January 6, 2012.

The once Mighty San Miguel Beermen is now last on the PBA standings

This is an unusual sight for the fans and also for the SMB franchise. The San Miguel Beermen lost another game last Sunday against sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings, 106-92. Now the Beermen is on the bottom of the team standings at 1-5 and is in danger on bowing out early. That is if they don't win in their last games against TNT and if the following teams Powerade, Air21 and B-MEG fail's to win in their last assignment but that is a big IF.

Some of my friends always argue of the trade SMB did with Air 21 saying SMB lost some veterans that are contributing to the team compared to the 3 rookies of Air 21 wherein only Al-Hussaini seems to be the only one productive. But maybe the management and coaching staff of SMB saw another thing, after all rebuilding a team takes time, maybe a conference or two will see if those 3 new acquisitions of SMB are really worth it.

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.