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).

B-Meg Llamados Enter Next Round with Overtime win Over Powerade Tigers

I thought B-Meg was safely on the next round when they reach 5 wins, even the TV panelist announce it, but  I think they never anticipated teams catching up and the quotient system. Although B-Meg has 5 wins it need to win this one to avoid any complications and maybe a possible sudden death game.

Watching the game tonight I thought things would again repeat for the B-Meg Llamados leading for most part of the fourth and on the dying seconds only to get burned by another Gary David miraculous three point shot that send the game into overtime. I said to myself whoaaa I think this happened already on the all-filipino  conference. But there was no denying the Llamados this time around as they buckled up on overtime to win 108-98 and secure their entry to the next round.

B-Meg Llamados was led by Marqus Blakely with 31 points and James Yap who finally was able to scored more then 20 points this conference, contributed 24 points.

Gary David top scored for Powerade Tigers with 34 points and Jvee Casio had 23 points. With its loss to B-MEG Powerade's faith going into the next round lands in the hand of the Barako Bull, with the Tigers hoping for a Barako Bull win over the Meralco Bolts.

B-MEG Llamados defeated Meralco Bolts 88-83 for its 3rd straight win

It was a sloppy game for B-MEG last night, as it committed 21 turnovers but its defense pulled through to get its 3rd straight win, winning 88-83 over Meralco Bolts. B-MEG is now tied at second place with sister team Petron at 3-1.

B-MEG won with its defense, and what better to show its defense with a 12 blocks in the game, and surprisingly one of the players leading the block party, James Yap who had a total of 3 blocks together with Rafi Reavies with 3 also, Yancy and Import Marqus Blakely had 2 blocks a piece, Pingris and Barroca had 1 blocks for the total of 12 for the team.

But even though with B-MEG's defense clicking their turnover really hurt them which enable the Bolts to hang on, especially with Meralco Bolts main man Mark Cardona exploding with 27 points and point guard Chris Ross contributing with 18 points, but had little support from import.Oguchi only managed to score 12 points in the game.

B-MEG's import Marqus Blakely had another all around performance with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. James Yap contributed with 19 points and the Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris had10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Meralco Bolts are now tied with its sister team Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters  at the bottom together with Alaska at 1-3. Meralco's next opponent will be the Alaska Aces, while B-MEG Llamados will play Air 21 Express in an out of town game at Digos City.

B-MEG Llamados barge into the winning column with a 96-88 win over the Gin Kings

I was suppose to post this Monday but was a bit busy at home, but the game last Sunday was exciting, as this was a rematch to last conference semis match between the B-MEG Llamados and the Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

This time around the Kings have most of their players healthy while B-MEG doesn't have Pingris and De Vance due to injury. But still B-Meg won over Ginebra 96-88.

Although Ginebra started the game on fire, it didn't take long for B-MEG to adjust and even took the lead on the first quarter, and the rest was history, Ginebra after a strong start never got its bearing again as B-MEG just took control of the game until the end.

B-MEG was again led by scoring apostle PJ Simon with 21 points followed by James Yap 18 points and the sudden uprising of Yancy De Ocampo with 16 points.

Ginebra was led by their import Bozeman with 30 points and former B-MEG star Kerby Raymundo with 20 points.

What baffled me was Ginebra's player rotation or the players used by Ginebra, I'm no Kings fan but I considered Ginebra, Petron and TNT, the teams with powerhouse lineup. But last Sunday, Dylan Ababou, Helterbrand, Menk and even Maierhofer did not play, I'm not sure of the status of Menk and Helterbrand, but I know Dylan and Maierhofer are ready to play, but the coach did not even used them. I know quite a few Ginebra fans don't like the way the coach decided on what players to used on that game, well its still early in the tournament, and maybe Coach Siot is still trying to find the right combination for his powerhouse lineup.

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.

Barako Bull Energy won over Alaska Aces 103-90 for game 1 win

Even if their import finished the game scoreless, the Barako Bull went on to win 103-90 over the Alaska Aces to take game 1 of their best of three quarterfinals match.

With their import still adjusting, the veterans of the Barako Bull took charge, especially new acquisition Ronald Tubid which led the team with 24 points.

"He is not yet acclimatized to the system of play in the PBA," said Baculi of their Nigerian import.

"Making it harder for him is that these are the playoffs and playoffs in the PBA are tough. If you're not cut out for these you will not survive," added Baculi, baring they are still trying to bring back Rodney White, who averaged a conference leading 29.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists in the five games he played here before being forced to attend to his ailing father back home.

Alaska played well on the first quarter which had them leading 27-17 but in the second quarter the Barako Bull veterans stepped to eventually grab a 1 point lead 48-47 leading the the halftime.

Danny Seigle who has been sidelined to injuries this conference, came off the bench to score 21 points and became the 34th and latest member of the 2,000 defensive rebounds club with six boards.

Alaska was led by Cyrus Baguio with 20 points and LA Tenorio with 19 points. But clearly needed the help of their import which only managed to score 11 points.

Barako Bull will go for the series win this Wednesday.

Meralco Bolts wins Game 1 over B-MEG Llamados 103-81

The Meralco Bolts came out on fire in Game 1 of their best of three match against B-MEG Llamados. The Bolts outplayed the Llamados from the opening tip off, starting with their point guard Chris Ross who pressured the Llamados point guard, which disrupted B-MEG's triangle offense, on top of that Bolts import Earl Barron clearly outplayed his counterpart Bowles in the opening quarter which saw Meralco Bolts leading 32-19 and then finishing the first half with a 54-38 lead.

"This is a first playoff win for us in five conferences. It's an enormous breakthrough for this franchise," said Gregorio.

"But we know that a best of three isn't win by one game. After taking a shower, we'll focus again for Wednesday," Gregorio added.

The Llamados actually waged a chase in the second half even cutting the lead to 3 80-77, but that was the closest the Llamados can get, as Cardona spearheaded a spirited 18-0 run to scutle B-MEG's bid.

Meralco Bolts import Earl Barron lead all scorers with 34 points while Cardona added 22 points to help the Bolts which can go for the clincher in game two this Wednesday at 5:15 pm.

The Llamados was lead by James Yap with 21 points, Bowles added 18 but was clearly outplayed by Barron.

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.

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.

B-MEG's Kerby Raymundo and Alaska's LA Tenorio to be traded?

There has been rumors circling around the net that B-Meg's star power forward Kerby Raymundo will be traded to sister team Barangay Ginebra. LA Tenorio, Alaska Milk's star point guard is also on the trading block.

Raymundo who was plagued by injury last year, and is just getting his form back, is being eyed to be traded to Barangay Ginebra for JC Intal and a 1st round pick by Barangay Ginebra. Barako Bull is the third team on this trade as sister teams B-Meg and Ginebra cannot traded directly with each other. If the trade do push through B-Meg's gets JC Intal, a 1st round pick and possible Enrico Villanueva. Barangay Ginebra gets Kerby Raymundo and Ababou. Barako Bull will have Ronald Tubid and KG Caneleta.

Several sites and forums have posted that the reason Kerby is being traded is because of a rift between him and James Yap.

But this is still unconfirmed, and remain to be a rumor.

On the other hand a trading LA Tenorio came to me as a surprise, I know Tenorio together with Thoss is the cornerstone of the Alaska franchise. Compared to the earlier rumor of Kerby being traded this one involving LA Tenorio for me is the least to happen.

B-Meg top official Rene Pardo has hinted in his Facebook account trade deals happening in the next few days.

"Daming (several) trade on the table. It's that time of the year again," said Pardo.

The former league chairman defended the need by teams to use this exercise on certain occasions.

"Trading of players is a vital part of the PBA. Sometimes it seems that a team is on the losing end of trade because not all factors are made aware to the public. The important thing to understand is that no team will agree to a trade that will not benefit its objective of being competitive in the league," he said.

Pardo, however stressed there's no final deal yet involving their team.

"Nothing final on our end as of now. Puro what if pa lang," said Pardo.

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.

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.

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.

Trade Involving Maierhofer, Maliksi, De Ocampo, Aquino and Future Pick Approved By PBA Commissioner

A trade involving B-MEG's Rico Maierhofer, Ginebra's Yancy De Ocampo and Jimbo Aquino, Barako Bull Allein Maliksi was approved by Philippines Basketball Association Commissioner Chito Salud.

In the approved transaction Ginebra will receive Rico Maierhofer and Allein Maliksi, Barako Bull will receive Jimbo Aquino and a 2013 first round and 2012 second round picks from Ginebra, while B-MEG will receive Yancy de Ocampo and a 2012 second round pick from Barako Bull.

With this trade Ginebra Gin Kings has finally found the needed upgrade in their frontline, with Maliksi and Maierhofer.

B-MEG on the other hand has added a center in De Ocampo (Although De Ocampo prefers to play outside the shaded lane) but with a 6'9" height and a nice touch outside would be a good fit in their triangle offense.

Barako Bull on the other hand added a guard to their lineup in Jimbo Aquino a former top gun of the San Sebastian Stags.

B-MEG defeated Alaska 92-89 in a double Overtime

It was their second meeting this conference, and Alaska was aching to get back at B-MEG for their loss in their first meeting. For Alaska its about revenge and also wanting to get out of the 9th spot since the last two teams on the end of the elimination gets booted out. For B-MEG it would extending their winning streak to 3.

B-MEG won for the second time over Alaska 92-89 in a thriller double overtime game.

B-MEG's superstar James Yap struggled early in the game but was a major factor during overtime and with B-MEG's supersub PJ Simon injured, rookie Mark Barroca stepped up his game to score 22 points his best performance so far this conference.

LA Tenorio who had a sub par game in their first meeting came out on fire in this game as he scored 28 points to lead Alaska, but was a non factor in overtime as he suffered cramps.

JR Reyes could have won the game for Alaska in regulation but missed his under goal attempt.

On the first overtime though, Alaska was in full control leading 80-75 with 2:25 left, but Yap and Barroca hit huge shots to tie it 80 all. Both teams had a chance to take the lead but both failed to make a shot leading to a 2nd overtime.

Then James Yap took over, hitting all of his attempts to give the Llamdos a 92-87 lead with just 43 seconds remaining.

"Very, very important for us to go over .500," said Cone. "Two or three weeks ago, we're in 9th place, now I think we're tied for 5th. We're now making our move and that's very important for us."

B-MEG's next opponent will be sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings, while Alaska will face Powerade Tigers.

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.

B-MEG defeated Meralco Bolts 95-79 for their first Back to Back win this Conference

This was the first time this conference that B-MEG has won back to back victories. With a new head coach in Tim Cone the Llamados are still adjusting to the new system their coach is implementing on them.

B-MEG were able to hold of a feisty Meralco Bolts and was able to hold on to a 95-79 win in the 2011 Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

James Yap led the way for B-MEG with 25 points on 10-18 shooting, giving the Llamados a 4-4 standing.

Although B-MEG were able to notch its first back to back wins, it was in the expense of PJ Simon.

Simon got injured when he had a bad fall on a drive to the basket. B-MEG fans are hopeful its nothing serious because PJ Simon has been a spark for B-MEG in this couple of games.

Gabby Espinas led Meralco Bolts with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The bolts are now 5-4 in the team standings.

Cone now challenges his players to make a run to catch up the leaders in the team standings.

"This is the time we have to make our surge. We can't lag too far back and expect to catch up anybody," said Cone.

B-MEG's next opponent is Cone's former team Alaska this Sunday.