Petron tests new import

Games today:

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Petron vs. Talk ‘N Text

7:30 p.m.- Ginebra vs. Meralco

WITH A NEW reinforcement in tow, the Petron Blaze Boosters seek a piece of leadership when they tangle with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters today in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rodney White is expected to have his hands full against Donnel Harvey, who is raring to help Talk ’N Text get back on track after the Texters lost to the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 100-107, last Sunday.

Petron, on the other hand, showed tremendous fighting spirit when it bucked an import-less lineup to turn back the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 87-79, last Saturday in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The Boosters were forced to play with an all-Filipino crew as White couldn’t arrive in time for the match. Petron brought in White following the banning for life of former import Renaldo Balkman.

White is on his second tour of duty in the league as he once played for the Barako Bull Energy Colas. White played just five games with Barako Bull as he had to rush home to attend to his ailing father.

The Boosters currently hold solo second place with a 6-2 (win-loss) record, trailing the league-leading Alaska Aces, who have seven wins and two losses.

Slightly behind Petron is Rain or Shine, which has a 6-3 card.

Meanwhile, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings target a third straight victory against the Meralco Bolts in the main game.

The Kings started the conference with four straight losses but has gone 3-1 since, allowing them to go up from 10th spot to eighth place with a 3-5 record./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA