PBA Power Rankings Week 3: Blazing hot

PBA Power Rankings Week 3: Blazing hot

MANILA, Philippines – Despite a depleted unit, Petron Blaze continued to roll in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup. Some stayed hot as others fell, while some are slowly getting into the groove. Here’s Rappler’s latest edition of the PBA Philippine Cup Power Rankings.

1. (Last week: 2) Petron Blaze Boosters (5-0) (▲)

Petron continued winning without the injured Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Ronald Tubid, and Yousef Taha. June Mar Fajardo was a behemoth this week, while Chris Lutz anchored Petron’s attack on both ends of the floor. Coach Gee Abanilla had no answer as to how they continue to steamroll despite having a depleted roster, but he believes Petron is doing all the right things. (READ: Fastbreak: Air21 registers first win, Petron escapes Alaska)

2. (Last week: 1) Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel (4-1) (▼)

If it wasn’t for a lackluster outing against Meralco, Barangay Ginebra could have stayed unblemished. The Bolts came to play and countered Ginebra’s size after employing small play. Ginebra also had a sloppy start against Talk ‘N Text before grinding out a 97-95 win, courtesy of Japeth Aguilar’s huge triple.

3. (Last week: 4) Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters (3-2) (▲)

An astounding win over Ginebra could have pushed Talk ‘N Text a little higher in the power rankings, but they failed to protect their huge advantage and eventually crippled down late in the match. Nevertheless, the addition of Danny Seigle boosted their frontline. Nonoy Baclao is becoming a key player in their defensive backbone, and Jayson Castro showed why he’s Asia’s best guard in that loss against Ginebra.

4. (Last week: 3) Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-2) (▼)

It has been a roller-coaster ride for Coach Yeng Guiao’s troops. Rain or Shine is still a bit inconsistent in this campaign. But we are starting to see the full roster getting utilized each game. Everybody, from the starters all the way to the 14th man, is getting quality minutes. Anyone can be a threat. (READ: Fastbreak: 'Sol-train' runs over Meralco, Lee-thal weapon fires 26)

5. (Last week: 6) Globalport Batang Pier (3-3) (▲)

The Batang Pier finally landed on the upper half of the PBA standings. Veterans Sol Mercado and Jay Washington exploded for 50 points a game in their two wins. Mark Yee provided defensive intensity and other rookies RR Garcia and Justin Chua continue to improve. Globalport looks like a solid crew who’s ready to contend with championship-caliber teams. (READ: Off-court bonding does Globalport some good)

6. (Last week: 7) Meralco Bolts (2-3) (▲)

The Bolts scored a splendid win over Ginebra with Jared Dillinger (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Mike Cortez (21 points, 11 assists) doing the damage. However, they failed to capitalize on that win after succumbing to Globalport in the next game.

7. (Last week: 5) Barako Bull Energy (2-3) (▼)

Barako Bull lost two straight this week, including a game against tail-ender Air21 Express. They were unable to continue their excellent start and main scorers Ronjay Buenafe and Mark Isip’s numbers dipped.

8. (Last week: 8) Alaska Aces (2-4) (--)

Calvin Abueva is finally turning into the ‘beast’ he used to play, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists in their last two meetings. Rookie Chris Exciminiano also had a stellar debut, going a perfect 4/4 from downtown against Air21. All the Aces need now is more consistent showings from JVee Casio and Cyrus Baguio.

9. (Last week: 9) San Mig Coffee Mixers (1-4) (--)

PJ Simon and Joe Devance have finally returned for the Mixers and the team is slowly regaining their form. They lost by just 3 against Rain or Shine, with Simon and Mark Barroca leading the group. They’ve been in this situation before so expect San Mig Coffee to rise again.

10. (Last week: 10) Air21 Express (1-5) (--)

It’s good to see Air21 finally snapping their losing skid against Barako Bull. Five players finished in double-digit scoring in that game, with KG Canaleta leading the pack. Looks like it won’t be long before the Express leave the bottom of the standings. – Rappler.com