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.

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 Boosters takes 3-1 lead over semifinal duel against Talk N Text Tropang Texters

Petron Blaze Boosters is now one win away from dethroning the defending champion Talk N Text Tropang Texters. Thanks to a impressive performance from the former two time MVP Danny Ildefonso.

Danny played like the MVP he was years ago, leading the Booster's with 22 points, with most of the points coming from dagger mid range shot in the final quarter.

Petron Blaze Booster again made a miraculous comeback erasing double digit lead from the Tropang Texters to pull off a 85-82 win for a 3-1 lead in their best of seven semifinal series in the 2011-2012 Philippine Cup.

Booster's rookie Chris Lutz contributed with 13 points, including two crucial free throws that gave Petron an 85-82 lead with 9.3 seconds left in the 4th quarter.

The Tropang Texters have two chances to tie the game and send it to overtime but misses from Ranidel de Ocampo and Jimmy Alapag from the three point cost them the game.

Ryan Reyes led the Texters with 17 points but would likely miss game five as he injured his wrist.

Game five will be on Friday (January 13, 2012) with the Boosters and the Texters playing in the second game at 7:30 pm.