Rain or Shine Wallops Petron Blaze Spoiling Fajardo Debut

In his first game in the PBA the first pick overall Jun Mar Fajardo or "The Kraken" as some basketball fans know him. Fajardo posted 9 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks as his Petron Blaze Booster lost to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 102-86.

It was clear in the game the Booster is still trying to learn Coach Olsen's system or Toromans system as some fans would say. They were clearly outclassed by the Painter in this game, both offensively and defensively. The big boys of Rain or Shine or better known as the Extra Rice Corporation of Belga and Quinahan took turns in shackling the number 1 pick Fajardo.

“As I said before the game, this is the best time to play Petron, they’re still in transition, they have a new coach,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao. “They’re going to be a lot more dangerous in the next two to three games and they won’t be the same when we play them the second time around.”

Jeff Chan, the 2012 PBA Gorvernors’ Cup Finals MVP, led the Elasto Painters with 20 points, while the Booster were led by Joseph Yeo with 16 points.

Rain or Shine Continues to Dominate B-MEG Winning Game 1 of Governors Cup Finals

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continue its dominance over the B-MEG Llamados, winning game 1 91-80. 

As expected of team under coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine came out aggressive and physical, which clearly disrupted the Llamados game. But hey, this is the finals right, and things are bound to get physical. But I got to admit sometimes Rain or Shine do sometime go overboard with their fouls, but that is their style of play and it up to the Llamados to adjust to that brand of play.

But we do have to give credit to Rain or Shine, they do have B-MEG's number in this conference, coming in Game 1 of the finals, B-MEG has not beaten Rain or Shine in two games already. 

The game was close in the first half, with B-MEG leading by four. But in the second half where B-MEG import Marqus Blakely got in to foul trouble, the Llamados defense went soft, and Rain or Shine began to take over the lead. Rain or Shine led by by 7 (66-59) at the end of the third quarter.

When Blakely returned early in the 4th, he was never the same, his presence was hardly felt, especially on the defensive end.

James Yap led the scoring for B-MEG with 19 points but lack local support. Blakely finished with 12 points only.

Rain or Shine was led by Jamelle Cornley with 25 points (who I think would be hand down the Best Import for this conference). Prolific rookie Paul Lee contributed 14 points.

Game 2 is on Wednesday (July 25, 2012).

Alaska Has no Plans of Trading LA Tenorio

Rumors have been circulating around the net that Alaska is planning to trade star point guard LA Tenorio.

But the Alaska management is quick to react that LA Tenorio isn't going anywhere.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo said the team's prized point guard is not on the trading block.

"He's very happy with us and we have no plans of trading him," said Trillo.

"Talks about Tenorio being put on a trading block are all rumors," added Trillo. "In fact, I've talked to La in one of our practices and joked with him that if ever he wants to be traded, isama niya ako"

Alaska so far has one minor addition to its roster and that is Nino Gelig. Gelig began his career with Talk N Text Tropang Texters from 2004 to 2006 and last played for the Welcoat Dragons from 2006 to 2008.

Rain or Shine Won Over Powerade to Tie Semifinal Series 2-2

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters entered the game with more intensity in game 4 and shot better from the field goal for a 110-95 win over the Powerade Tigers to even the 2011-2012 PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals at 2-2.

Powerade's Gary David may have scored 30 points his 6th 30 point performance in this conference but still suffered a loss to Rain or Shine.

Jeff Chan led the Elasto Painters with 19 points, with rookie Paul Lee contributing 15 points.

"We just shot better and worked harder. Mas masipag kami ngayon," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

"Its nice to celebrate the win but we just evened the series. We'll be going back to the gym and prepare for the best of three."

TY Tang helped contribute to the Elasto Painters third quarter break away with excellent passes to his teammates that increase their halftime lead of 54-43 to a 79-61 cushion entering the 4th quarter.

They led by as much as 20 points in the 4th quarter (86-66) and was never threatened by the tigers since then.

Game 5 will be on Friday. The PBA will return to its usual 2 games a day format with Rain or Shine versus Powerade playing first at 5:15 pm.

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.

Rain or Shine defeated Barako Bull 93-81 to remain on Top of the Pact

Rain or Shine is the hottest team in the Philippine Basketball Association right now. Rain or Shine is on a 5 game winning streak right now, and is on top of the standing with a 7-1 records followed closely by defending champion Talk n Text with a 6-1 record.

Rookie sensation Paul Lee lead the way for Rain or Shine with 17 points while veteran Willie Miller top scored for the Barako bull which slid down to 5-3.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said "We came into this game prepared because we respect Barako Bull. We knew it would be a difficult game."

"Our game plan was to play team defense. Buti nalang na-sustain naman," he added

I consider Rain or Shine from the start of the conference as the dark horse to win the title, but I never expected this team to lead this way early.

Rain or Shine will battle Petron Blaze this Sunday.

2nd Overall Pick Paul Lee Shines as Rain or Shine Defeats Barangay Ginebra Kings 94-93

A win is a win though, no matter what the score is. Me and my friends though were just after one thing. To see if the 2nd overall pick Paul Lee was as good as what the papers say. Well he did not disappoint us at all. Considering he's still a rookie, he played great last Sunday's lone opener game.

Paul Lee scored 21 points with 5 rebound and a couple of steals. Although they almost lost the game on a 4th quarter meltdown. Lee showed us how good he is.

JC Intal missed the last of his three charities in the final 1.3 seconds then new look John Wilson (did you see his hairdo?) muffed a follow-up shot as the Kings let the Elasto Painters preserve the win.

"It's a big win for us in the first day, first game of the season. We had some jitters. Good thing, we had a good lead going into the endgame," said ROS coach Yeng Guiao.

As for his prized rookie

"He's physically tough. He's special. You don't coach that. It comes from him, We really have a good pick," said Guiao.

"He's a big help really. We had a hard time breaking the zone. It's easier now with him there," Guiao added.

Now with Paul Lee's impressive first game, other teams will now be prepared for him, and now will really see how good Lee really is.

AIR 21 PICKS BACLAO NO.1 IN THE PBA 2010 DRAFT

Well it came to a surprise for me last Sunday with Air 21 picking Nonoy Baclao as the top overall pick over Rabeh Al-Hussaini. Which in turn led to some report that because of that Rabeh was a little hurt. But I think it doesn't matter if you get to be the first pick or the last pick, as long as you get selected and get to play. Air 21 also get to pick on no 3 and selected Rey Guevarra.

The list of players drafted:

1. AIR 21 - Nonoy Baclao
2. AIR 21 - Rabeh Al-Hussaini
3. AIR 21 - Rey Guevarra
4. ALASKA ACES - Elmer Espiritu
5. RAIN OR SHINE - Josh Valmandingham
6. AIR 21 - Sean Michael Anthony
7. GINEBRA - John Wilson
8. GINEBRA - Jimbo Aquino
9. B-MEG - Narciso Llagas
10. MERALCO - Shawn Weinstein
11. MERALCO - Riego Gamalinda
12. GINEBRA - Robert Labagala
13. B-MEG - Val Acuna
14. MERALCO - Claiford Arao
15. RAIN OR SHINE - RJ Jazul
16. MERALCO - Khasim Mirza
17. BARAKO - John Hermida
18. POWERADE - Jose Reyes
19. POWERADE - PASSED
20. AIR 21 -PASSED
21. ALASKA - Marvin Hayes

PUREFOODS SWEEP ALASKA TO WIN 2010 KFC PHILIPPINE CUP

Defense is again the key to Purefoods victory as it limited Alaska below 80 points to win 86-76, sweeping Alaska in the best of seven finals. Before the game Purefoods James Yap was named Best Player of the Conference then at the end of the games was honored as Finals MVP, which was fitting as he led Purefoods in scoring in 4 games. But its not all James Yap, its all in the teams effort and their excellent defense. It was a nice run for the Purefoods TJ Giants which went on a roller coaster ride during the elimination round, then being pushed to the limit by Rain or Shine, survive the star studded San Miguel Beermen, then sweeping the number1 team Alaska.

Purefoods also became the first team in the PBA to sweep a best of seven affair in an all Filipino tournament. Congratulations Purefoods for a job well done.

And now we wait for the import reinforced tournament.