Fajardo carries import-less Petron

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Globalport vs. Alaska

6:30 p.m.- Talk ‘N Text vs. Barangay Ginebra

Cebuano center June Mar Fajardo put up import-like numbers to lead the import-less Petron Blaze Boosters to an 87-79 upset over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last night in an out-of-town game of the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Panabo City Sports, Tourism and Cultural Center in Davao del Norte.

The rookie Fajardo, playing out of the University of Cebu, courageously stood his ground against Rain or Shine’s 7-foot-3 import Bruno Sundov and tallied 20 points and 13 rebounds to help the Boosters tie the Alaska Aces at the number one spot with their sixth win in eight games.

Petron had to play all-Filipino as new import Rodney White failed to arrive in time for the match. White was tapped to replace Renaldo Balkman, who was banned for life from the league for his conduct in the team’s last outing against Alaska.

Rain or Shine pounced on Petron’s handicap only in the first quarter.

Rain or Shine led by as many as seven points in the opening period but Petron started to get going and closed the first half with a 46-42 lead.

Despite his size, Sundov, the tallest import in league history, couldn’t cause enormous damage as he settled for outside shots. Making things worse, he had to sit out the entire third quarter after incurring four fouls.

Sundov returned in the fourth but it hardly mattered as Marcio Lassiter caught fire for Petron.

Lassiter scored 12 of his 14 points in the fourth, including 10 straight points that gave the Boosters a 76-69 lead with 6:47 left.

Fajardo had two crucial plays in the homestretch, connecting on a follow-up dunk, allowing Petron to lead by eight, 83-75, with 2:47 left.

Rain or Shine cut the lead to just, 75-81, but Fajardo again converted a follow-up shot as Petron restored an 83-75 edge with  2:47 to go.