Big Chill out to keep streak in D-League; NLEX debuts

MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill hopes to sustain its hot streak as it shoots for its fourth straight win against Cebuana Lhuillier even as NLEX makes its long-awaited debut in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO gym in Cubao, QC today.

After escaping with a win over Banco de Oro-National U, the Superchargers charged past the Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater Sports sides to seize early control of the record 14-team field, making them the slight favorites in their 2 p.m. encounter with the Gems, who dropped two of their first three games.

“I did not expect to be at 3-0 at this point. We were lucky to win against Banco de Oro but our past two games against Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater Sports were convincing wins. We worked very hard on those three wins and it is paying off at this point,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison.

The Superchargers wrested the solo lead after erstwhile fellow unbeaten Cagayan Valley was ambusned by Hog’s Breath café, 78-82, last Thursday.

The inclusion of former pros Reil Cervantes and Khazim Mirza, NCAA rookie of the year Juneric Balorio and forward Dexter Maiquez has added depth to a team that has come short of expectations the past two conferences but has showed a lot of promise this season. 

“I guess that is the reason we are winning games,” said Sison of his wards’ cohesion.

But he maintains the Superchargers must sustain their form and stay focused on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, defending champion NLEX finally struts its wares as it battles Arellano U at 12 noon while Café France and Derulo Accelero tangle in the main game at 4 p.m.

“Cebuana is coming off a loss and we know that they will be hard-pressed to get a win and gain back their confidence. So we have to work doubly hard if we want to prevent that and stay on the winning track,” said Sison.

But the Gems are also raring to rebound from a 72-86 loss to newcomer Wangs Basketball last Tuesday. But injury and lack of chemistry remain a concern for the team.

The Arellano U Chiefs, on the other hand, snapped a two-game skid with a 77-73 upset of Zambales M-Builders last week but are expected to encounter stiff resistance against the Road Warriors.