INJURY-HOBBLED BOOSTERS STAKE CLEAN SLATE VS ACES
Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross will be back in uniform and back to get the feel of the basketball hard court and atmosphere at the resumption of the Petron Blaze Saturday series.
They’re limited to that though.
They’re still very much doubtful, and Petron Blaze’s fighting eight will still have to fend for themselves as the Boosters take on the Alaska Aces trying to keep their perfect run in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“They will suit up but are still doubtful even though we’re up against a very tough opponent,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla.
“Our work will really be cut out for us against a very well-coached and organized Alaska team. We are just hoping that we could still hold the fort for this game and play to our potential,” Abanilla added.
The Aces are also wary of the Boosters despite all their health woes.
“Yes, they have been playing well despite their injuries. Junemar (Fajardo) is in another level and so is Marcio (Lassiter). Both in my opinion are the best in their respective positions in the PBA now,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
Fajardo and Lassiter led the sturdy stand of Petron’s fighting eight as they overcame the Barako Bull Energy, 96-90, for a fourth straight win Wednesday.
The Boosters, further depleted by the sidelining of Chris Lutz, paced themselves well in the first three quarters before pouring it all out in the final period.
Fajardo collected 22 rebounds, 11 points, five blocks, four steals and three assists while Lassiter churned out 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
“Masyadong manipis talaga kami ngayon. It’s good we hung in there and gained the breaks in the end,” said Abanilla.
“We came into the game with only eight players, including a rookie. But our standard of expectation didn’t change. Everybody pitched in and everybody stepped up,” Abanilla also said.
With Lutz joining Cabagnot, Ross, Ronald Tubid and Yousef Taha on the injured list, Fajardo, Lassiter, Arwind Santos, Paolo Hubalde, Chico Lanete, Jason Deutchman, Jojo Duncil, Doug Kramer and rookie Joseph Marata were the eight souls left to carry the fight for the team.
They held the fort as they seized command, 78-73, at the start of the final quarter and hung on till the final buzzer.
Alaska, however, could well provide a tougher test.
The Aces overcome a sluggish start, cranking up in the third period and going on to outlast Air21, 97-91,Wednesday.
The Aces survived a mere 26 first-half output with newly activated rookie Chris Exciminiano helping provide energy and firepower in the second half as Alaska notched a second win against three losses. (SB)
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