Sports

The starting point guard of Petron Blaze Boosters is scheduled to return in their match against the Air21 Express.

Petron, which leads the PBA in most wins this conference will try to defend their unbeaten record against the bottom standings dweller Air21 as they meet Wednesday in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The ball will tip off at around 5:45 p.m. with injured guard Alex Cabagnot finally suiting up while teammate Chris Ross is on a game-time decision whether he will play or not, according to Petron coach Gee Abanilla.

The Boosters have managed to overcome the challenges of playing with an injury-depleted roster by beating Globalport (97-87), defending champion Talk ‘N Text (77-63), San Mig Super Coffee (92-79), Barako Bull (96-90) and just recently, Alaska by a hairline, 86-85.

Their prized young center June Mar Fajardo, reigning league MVP Arwind Santos, and shooters Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz are all logging 37 minutes or more per contest this conference as they carry much of the load for the Boosters. They were also on the top ten list of Best Player of the Conference candidates.

Abanilla, the former La Salle coach, said the team’s nine healthy players for the past games have an understanding that they just need to step up when their names are called, knowing fully their injured teammates won’t be out for long.

“We’re trying to build an identity for ourselves. That no matter what situation we face, we have to give our best,” said Abanilla. 

Coach Abanilla does not want to downplay their opponents and is still wary of what the revitalized Express can do. Although Air21, only managed to win one game so far this conference with a 92-77 rout of Barako Bull,

“We are also aware of how dangerous Air21 is coming from two overtime losses and a won game the last time out. But we just want to work hard and be the best that we could be,” said Abanilla, who is only in his second conference as Petron coach.

Air21 star forward Mac-Mac Cardona, who missed the team’s first three games due to an MCL sprain on his knee, said the Express have been showing a renewed commitment to play tough defense.

The game also marks the first meeting between veteran big man and former league MVP Asi Taulava against the emerging star 6-foot-11 Fajardo.