PBA 2012-13 Philippine Cup Finals Set: Rain or Shine vs Talk N Text

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The Alaska Aces gave a good fight but it was for naught as Talk N Text emerged victorious during their Game 6 match off of their semifinals series. Earlier, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters already secured a ticket to the finals seat by beating San Mig Coffee Mixers in their own best of 7 series. And on Friday, Alaska Aces' back were against the wall as they were put in a do-or-die situation against the talent-laden Talk N Text team behind new head coach Norman Black. 

The combined efforts of Jason Castro, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, and Ranidel de Ocampo helped to surge the Tropang Texters ahead of their competition for the most part of the game. Then, Jimmy Alapag exploded in the final half of the game to build an 80-71 lead for his team. It proved enough as the Aces suffered a dry spell and could not recover from the deficit established by their opponent. 

And the Texters prevailed and rose to the challenge as they made true with what Black promised to be a war on the court. The back-to-back defending champions defeated the Aces in an 83-78 fashion at the Cuneta Astrodome on January 4, Friday. This gives way to a battle of the champs with the Governor Cup champs Rain or Shine waiting to meet them at the finals. 

Aside from chasing another trophy, the Tropang Texters are also out for a new record. If they succeed in winning the championship in the PBA Philippine Cup, they are going to be the first time to win this conference three in a row after the legendary Crispa Redmanizers team did so in 1983. Head coach Norman Black is confident they can do that, especially after surviving the tough series against the Aces. 

But he isn't allowing himself to be clouded by the thought just yet. "Rain or Shine is a different package as far as competition is concerned," he adds. He also notes that "they're very physical inside both offensively and defensively."

While Talk N Text is chasing after their own record, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are gunning for back-to-back titles on their own. Needless to say, it is going to be a big battle waiting ahead for these two teams.

Which team do you think will run away with the PBA Philippine Cup crown?

Talk N Text and Alaska Aces Vye for Last Finals Slot

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are back in the finals after clobbering the San Mig Coffee Mixers during their Game 5 match off of their series at the MOA Arena yesterday, January 3, 2013. The 90-83 win helped to secure the first half of the finals match, with the other pairing being between Talk N Text and Alaska Aces wherein the former have two chances to close out the series with a 3-2 lead.

The Talk N Text Tropang Texters are one step away from being back at the finals seat but head coach Norman Black isn't one to get too complacent. One thing is for sure, they are eyeing to close it out today as they go head-to-head at the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal duel. Allowing the Aces to take one more win will put them in a do-or-die situation and Black cannot afford that.

According to Black, "We will try our best to finish it...". However, he admitted that it won't be a walk in the park because "there is no quit in the Alaska team."

On the flip side, Aces head coach Luigi Trillo knows his team is not out of the fight just yet. "It's not about the talent on the other side at this point... We cannot make excuses". Hence, Aces fans can expect it to be a juggernaut as these two teams go to battle tonight.

If you can remember, several players were fined and ejected (albeit no suspensions were made) by the Commissioner's office during Game 3 of this series. Among the players fined and ejected due to the altercations that transpired in such a heated game were Jason Castro, Cyrus Baguio, Calvin Abueva, Gabby Espinas, Sonny Thoss, Jared Dillinger, and Kelly Williams. Expect no less than a battle tonight!

Injury Update on Petron Blaze Boosters’ Marcio Lassiter: X-ray Shows No Fracture

On Thursday night, Petron Blaze Boosters was put in a must-win situation against San Mig Coffee Mixers who had a twice to beat advantage. But aside from Petron losing the game, which means they are eliminated from the playoffs round of the PBA Philippine Cup, one of their guys, Marcio Lassiter also suffered a bad fall that forced him out of the court in a stretcher. The Fil-Am guard was rushed to the hospital wherein he will be taken a look at by medical professionals with the team’s medical team fearing that he might have suffered more than a bruised lower back due to the impact of the fall.

The incident happened in the final quarter wherein the limping Lassiter rushed to his man, James Yap, who is already attempting to rush to the basket from the inbounds. As he jumped to fend off his opponent’s shot, Lassiter was launched into the air and landed hard on his back onto the floor. He got carried off by his teammates back to the bench but it wasn’t until a stretcher was pulled out when fans realized that it could have been serious.

Earlier today, Marcio Lassiter undergone X-rays to determine the extent of his injury. Thankfully, the X-ray result proved to be positive with no fracture detected following the examination. Noli Eala, SMC executive, made the announcement via his Twitter account wherein he revealed the latest update about Lassiter’s condition.

His Twitter status reads,

“Initial X-ray findings: no fracture, just muscle spasm and bone bruise. Marcio still in the hospital though for more observation due to continued pain.”

Not long after that, Eala updated his Twitter account with another positive news for fans of Lassiter:

“Great news! Marcio will be discharged tonight. He is a lot better and walking already. Thanks to all who prayed for him.”

Lassiter was said to complain of intense pain on his lower back wherein the team’s medical personnel feared he might have suffered a fracture on his lower spine. More updates on the development of his injury and recovery soon as we have them.

Ricky Rubio Injury Update: Begins Light Practice with TWolves

Image: Beyondthebuzzer

Ricky Rubio’s fans are excited about the Spanish sensation’s return to court. Thus, here is some good news for fans who are awaiting that return. Ricky has already rejoined his team for practice, albeit for a limited time only. This is a good sign and right on target with the projected return to play, which was  December.

In case Rubio does manage to return by December, this will be beneficial for his team given that the Minnesota Timberwolves had been ravaged by injury as of this season. Rubio had been out of the court since March after he tore his ACL on the left knee . He had already undergone surgery and extensive therapy as part of his rehabilitation process and his light practice on the court is the biggest progress he has had so far since getting injured.

While Rubio was out, all-star Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves also had to sit out several games due to injury (broken right hand). The two, however, had joined their team’s practice despite during the instructional portions only.  They have also partaken in a few drills, too.

More good things await the TWolves with Rubio’s impending return as Kevin Love has finally suited up to play. Despite returning to a losing effort, fans of the TWolves can only expect for the better as they will eventually be in top shape soon. During his return,

With only a few weeks left to wait, fans should be excited at the prospect of Rubio returning to play. And with Brandon Roy out, it would be absolutely necessary.