NLEX, Cebuana seek final berths

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX and Cebuana Lhuillier try to close out their respective semifinal series today and arrange a rematch for the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the San Juan gym.

The Road Warriors toppled the Blackwater Sports, 86-77, in last week’s opener of their best-of-three series and are fancied to score a repeat in their 4 p.m. clash for a return trip to the finals they ruled over the Gems last year via sweep. 

Cebuana Lhuillier, on the other hand, blasted Big Chill, 79-66, in their own side of the semis with the Gems also tipped to get past the Super Chargers for another crack at the crown.

Gems’ coach Beaujing Acot, however, expects the second-seeded Super Chargers to bounce back in their 2 p.m. encounter.

“We’ll treat Game 2 as just another game. But we have to play smart and hopefully, we could seal it,” said Acot.

Despite their overwhelming edge, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez also remains wary of their rivals.

“Blackwater is the league’s top offensive team. If we don’t shoot well we’re in trouble. So we have to realize that if we intend to win this series we have to play tough defense,” said Fernandez.

The Elite slowed down the Road Warriors for three quarters in the series opener but faded out in the final period, enabling the defending champions to coast to victory.