Cebuana, NLEX seek share of lead

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX and Cebuana Lhuillier shoot for win No. 2 and a share of the lead as they take on separate rivals in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Trinity University of Asia gym today.

The Road Warriors are also staking their long 18-0 run dating back to the semifinals of this conference last Jan. 31 with a new batch out to keep the streak against Boracay Rum Waves in their 2 p.m. encounter.

While most of the teams tinkered with their respective rosters in the off season, Boracay Rum made no significant recruitment and went on to lose first two games in the conference against Cagayan Valley and Cebuana Lhuillier.

But NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez believes the Waves remain a potent team.

“Personally, I’m worried (with Boracay). Their first two games is not an indication of this team. Knowing coach Lawrence (Chongson), I’m sure we’ll have a tough game,” Fernandez said.

He added that the team’s goal is to win as many games early so his wards will have enough time to work on their chemistry.

“As I have said, our team still needs to jell and this type of game is crucial to our bonding,” Fernandez said.

For the second game, the Road Warriors will be without seven-footer Greg Slaughter, who went to the US to personally work on the papers he needs to be eligible to play in the league.

“We have no word yet from Greg. But as soon as he gets a clearance, we’ll play him right away,” said Fernandez.

Chongson, for his part, said the Road Warriors are the least of his worries at the moment.

“What I’m worried about is how to get to improve my team both individually and as a group. If we’re able to achieve that, then I can start worrying about beating NLEX or any teams down the road,” said Chongson.

Cebuana Lhuillier is also expecting a tough match-up against Fruitas, a team eager to redeem itself after its victorious debut against Café France was forfeited by the PBA Commissioner’s Office because the Shakers fielded an ineligible player.

“If we intend to beat Fruitas, we have to match their intensity and find a way to stop their dribble-drive penetration,” said Cebuana coach Beaujing Acot.

Acot said they have a tough time preparing for Fruitas largely because they have no idea who the new players are. The Shakers’ new roster is now built around the core of the San Beda Lions, who won the recent NCAA championship.

“Hopefully, we’ll mature earlier than expected and find a way to win,” said Acot.

Nash Racela, the Fruitas coach, said it was “really unfortunate” to lose a game by forfeiture but added they have put the incident behind them.

“We need to learn and move forward,” said Racela, excited to be playing with a complete line-up. “We’ll definitely improve our chances against Cebuana, which is a very tough and experienced team.”