Elite, Erasers part ways; Chargers fancied

MANILA, Philippines - Blackwater Sports Elite and Erase Plantcenta try to break out of a four-way tie for third as they collide today while Big Chill seeks to join the winner as it takes on newcomer Cagayan in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

The Elite are out to bounce back from a tough loss to the Jr Powerade Tigers, a team composed mostly of collegiate players, as they go for their second win in three starts against the Erasers in the 2 p.m. opener.

The Super Chargers, on the other hand, are fancied over the Cagayan Rising Suns in the 4 p.m. main game with the former seeking a follow-up to their 74-73 escape win over Café France last week and a share of third.

Big Chill are coming off a stunning 74-73 decision against Café France last week courtesy of Allan Santos’ put back shot at the buzzer. 

Francis Rodriquez will still call the shots for Cagayan as head coach Alvin Pua serves the second of his three-game suspension.

“The lesson learned from our last game is that we have to work hard especially on defense every time we play,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac, whose wards dropped a 79-84 decision against Jr Powerade.

But Erase Plantcenta is riding the crest of its 90-68 blowout over Cagayan although coach Yong Garcia has opted to downplay his team’s chances against the fancied Elite.

“The team is still a work in progress. But hopefully we could build on our last win,” said Garcia.

Meanwhile, NLEX’s Wood Co, Garvo Lanete, Borgy Hermida, Cliff Hodge and Jaypee Belencion were fined P2,500 each by PBA Commissioner Chito Salud for their involvement in last week’s fight-marred game against RnW Pacific Pipes.