Gems battle Blades today

Last year's losing finalist Cebu hopes to end its losing slump when it plays host to Batangas today in the 2000 MBA Fedex Cross-over Cup at the New Cebu City Coliseum.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Gems are coming off three disappointing losses, the last from the Laguna Lakers (3-2) at home, 86-87.

A win in their 6:30 p.m. encounter with the Blades should bring the sparkle back to the Gems, which have lost Dondon Hontiveros and Fil-American Robert Wainright to the PBA.

In the other game , the Nueva Ecija Patriots battle the winless Socsksargen Marlins at 4 p.m. at the Araullo Centrum University Gym in Cabanatuan City. Alex Trinidad takes over the coaching job from resigned mentor Nemie Villegas.

Quirante was acquired from Cebu in last year's dispersal draft, Magat and Briones came from Pasig-Rizal in exchange for Don Malabanan while Velasco was plucked out straight from the collegiate ranks.