Underrated no more

J.B. Baylon wasn’t at the Big Dome to witness Powerade’s stunning 131-96 win over Talk ‘N’ Text in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations last Sunday night. Powerade’s PBA Board of Governors representative had just landed at the airport from a trip abroad when his cellphone buzzed a text “Congratulations on the win.” Baylon’s reply was “Wrong send?”

Not too many fans figured Powerade would upend the Tropang Texters, riding a six-game winning streak and fresh from an eight-day rest. Never mind that Jimmy Alapag, Ryan Reyes, Aaron Aban, Ali Peek and Jared Dillinger were out of commission. Coach Chot Reyes has done a masterful job keeping the Tropa’s head way above water despite the spate of injuries. So far, Reyes has used 19 players this conference, juggling warm bodies for cold in remaining on top of the standings with an 8-2 record.

Entering the game, Powerade was 4-7 and coming off a 102-84 lacing of Shopinas. The record, however, was deceptive and could easily have been 7-4 as three of the losses were far from convincing – by three to Rain Or Shine, two to Meralco and one to Barangay Ginebra. Top draft pick Jvee Casio reported for duty only in Powerade’s fourth game and didn’t score in double figures until his sixth outing. 

Tigers coach Bo Perasol brought in a slew of newcomers in the offseason, engineering a facelift with the precision of a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Vicki Belo would’ve been proud of his work. Joining the cast were Casio, Marcio Lassiter, James Martinez, Alex Crisano, Romel Adducul, Rudy Lingganay, Doug Kramer and Josh Vanlandingham. The holdovers were Celino Cruz, Francis Allera, Sean Anthony, Gary David, Ricky Calimag and Will Antonio. The roster showed eight new faces and only six retentions. Chemistry was an issue that Perasol had to address as his first priority. It was about getting used to his system, trusting each other and creating team spirit. 

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Last Sunday’s encounter was touted to be a shootout at the Araneta corral. Talk ‘N’ Text was the league’s No. 2 offensive team and Powerade No. 3. The fans expected a high-scoring contest and weren’t disappointed. Both teams came out with guns blazing. In the third period, the Tropa scored 35 points and the Tigers, 34. You couldn’t ask for a more blazing display of firepower.

Powerade withstood a furious Talk ‘N’ Text assault in the third quarter and showed character in staying poised. Six Tigers wound up in twin digits with David, the league’s leading scorer (the only one averaging at least 20 points) firing 27 to set the pace. Lassiter contributed 19, Anthony 17, Casio 14, Kramer 13 and Adducul 10. The best player award went to Adducul who compiled eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocked shots in 20 solid minutes. He was perfect from the floor, 4-of-4, and had no turnover. 

“We needed that win even against a depleted Talk ‘N’ Text,” said Baylon. “Was happy for Romel and thanked him by text for his leadership. Was worried last month when he fell ill for a week. Am so sad I missed the game but will watch the team’s DVD copy.”

Perasol didn’t only give Adducul a new lease on life. He also revived Crisano’s career and gave Lingganay a chance to prove his worth after not being picked in the 2010 draft. Crisano, 35, began his PBA career with Ginebra in 2000. After moving to Talk ‘N’ Text and Barako Bull, he suited up for the Philippine Patriots in the ABL last season. Perasol brought him back to the PBA after a one-year layoff. Now, Crisano is more focused than ever, playing his role as a rebounder and shot-blocker like he’s supposed to. His life is back in order with a new girlfriend Linda. A fan favorite, Crisano once said he’d love to perform rap songs at halftime of a PBA game – when Powerade isn’t playing, of course.

“Alex rapping at halftime?” said Baylon. “What a showman. Motivated right, I think Alex can scare off anyone from under the basket.”

Lingganay, 25, labored two years in the ABL until he got his break in the PBA. The former University of the East guard was snubbed in the 2010 draft. Others not selected but eventually made it to the PBA were Hans Thiele, Vaughn Canta, Mark Canlas and Hyram Bagatsing.

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What makes Powerade a legitimate contender is its depth. David isn’t the only go-to guy on the team. Perasol has the luxury of tapping Lassiter, Casio and Kramer, too. At this stage of the conference, Kramer has logged eight double-doubles and is a leading candidate for Most Improved Player honors. In terms of trusting each other, the proof is clear – in the win over Talk ‘N’ Text, the Tigers collected 38 assists and had only 11 turnovers. 

Powerade has two more games left in the eliminations – against Meralco on Friday and Barako Bull next Tuesday. The Tigers are looking to finish the eliminations in the top six to avoid a twice-to-win disadvantage if they place either seventh or eighth. After last Sunday’s blowout, no team will take Powerade lightly anymore. 

Meanwhile, PBA media bureau chief and special assistant to the Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that doubleheaders will be played on consecutive Tuesdays (today and Dec. 6). There will be no PBA games tomorrow and Wednesday next week because of unavailability of venue. A twillbill is scheduled this Saturday at the Big Dome. Another adjustment is the PBA will play two games on Dec. 8, Thursday.