Boosters take on Aces; Fajardo out

Junmar Fajardo, after his breakout game last Sunday, could miss up to four weeks starting Friday’s game.

MANILA, Philippines — Petron Blaze will be without top rookie pick June Mar Fajardo Friday when the Boosters, seeking to get back on the winning track, battle rejuvenated Alaska in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo had surgery yesterday to ease the swelling on his scrotum after being accidentally elbowed by Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee last week. He is expected to be out for at least four weeks.

But Petron remains favored in its 5:15 p.m. clash with the Aces, who last week also broke through and will be putting their newfound confidence to the test against the Boosters.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra tries to rebound from a shock loss to Meralco last Saturday when the Gin Kings battle Barako Bull in the 7:30 p.m. game.

Ginebra saw its two-game streak end  but the Kings are favored to turn back the Barako, a side laden with veterans, with their run-and-gun game.

Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio, and rookies Chris Ellis and Keith Jensen are the players to watch for the Kings, sixth placers here last year but ranked in the top four during a preseason poll among coaches.

Fajardo will be sidelined after the bull-strong center from Cebu notched his first double-double in that loss to the Mixers.

Coaches Olsen Racela and Rajko Toroman may ask Jay Washington to man the slot again for the Boosters against the Aces, who took two straight defeats before finally winning.

The Aces will again be led by Cyrus Baguio, JV Casio and Mac Baracael, who fired 21 points off the bench the last time out. The trio combined for 68 points in a 102-86 decision of Barako Bull last Sunday.

Sonny Thoss played despite a severe LBM that day.