Gems try to boost q’final bid vs Pirates today

HOPING to shore up its bid for the last quarterfinal bonus, Cebuana Lhuillier shoots for a share of fourth spot against a resurgent Bread Story-Lyceum today in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Gems, fresh from a 23-point blasting of Wangs, collide with the Pirates in the first game at 12 noon.

Cebuana coach Boycie Zamar knows, however, that it’s harder facing a team fighting for survival.

The Pirates, who at one point looked headed for early elimination, fanned their bid to nail the last quarterfinal berth after picking up back-to-back victories for a 4-5 record, just a game behind the Gems’ 5-4 card.

“We can’t underestimate our opponent,” said Zamar. “They’re a competitive and dangerous team.”

Cafe France, assured of a twice-to-beat quarterfinal edge, wraps  up its elimination run versus Wangs at
2 p.m., while Tanduay Light tries to keep its faint quarterfinal chances alive against AMA University at 4 p.m.

Unbeaten squads Hapee (10-0) and Cagayan Valley (9-0) have already secured outright semifinal berths with Cafe France (8-2) clinching the third spot and the first quarterfinal bonus.

The last twice-to-beat advantage remains up for grabs, with Jumbo Plastic heading the list of hopefuls with a fourth-best 6-4 record.

A victory by the Gems, however, will not only put them in a tie with the Giants but also give them a chance to snatch the last twice-to-beat advantage heading into the last two elimination playdates.

“Hopefully, the boys will not be content with what we have accomplished and realize the importance of this game,” said Zamar. “We should not waste the opportunity.”

Last week, the Gems cruised past Wangs in an 85-62 triumph where Norbert Torres started with 16 points.

But the Pirates had been in a roll, too, and scored back-to-back wins, the last a 104-85 rout of MP Hotel that saw Giovani Jalalon, Jackson Corpuz and Louie Vigil stepping up.

“It’s going to be a big game for us,” said Bread Story coach Bonnie Tan. “We have to keep trying to give our best.”