Gems, Titans, Mixers aim for No. 2

Games today (Ynares Arena, Pasig City)

12 noon – Cagayan Valley vs AMA University

2 p.m. – MP Hotel vs Cebuana Lhuillier

4 p.m. – Liver Marin vs Kera Mix

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier, AMA University and Kera Mix take on separate rivals today, each looking for a follow-up to their opening game victories for a continued share of the early lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

The Gems, riding the crest of their thrilling 86-85 decision over the Café France Bakers last Monday, are fancied to get past the MP Hotel Warriors who dropped a stinging 60-87 blowout loss to the Kera Mixers (former Racal Motors) last week.

Gametime is at 2 p.m.

AMA U, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle as it clashes with Aspirants’ Cup runner-up Cagayan Valley in the 12 noon opener of a triplebill. The Titans, coached by Mark Herrera, trounced the Liver Marin side, 89-81, in the opener but will have their hands full against the talent-laden Rising Suns.

The Mixers, on the other hand, hope to make it two-in-row as they tangle with the Liver Marin-SSC Stags in the 4 p.m. main game.

“We cannot believe that we are a strong team. We may be strong on paper but we have to prove it on the court. We can’t be overwhelmed. We can’t defend on Mo alone,” said Cebuana Lhuillier coach Boycie Zamar, whose wards battled from 21 points down to nip the Bakers.

Mo Tautuaa, who delivered the marginal basket from the stripe, is again expected to spearhead the Gems’ bid against the Warriors.

New recruits Dexter Maiquez, Joseph Terso, Marcy Arellano came up big for the Titans.