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.

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.