MANILA, Philippines—Cebuana Lhuillier parades its biggest catch Monday as the Gems kick off their bid versus Cafe France in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Moala Tautuaa, the 6-foot-7 Filipino-Tongan whom the Gems acquired from Cagayan Valley, debuts for a Cebuana side that has turned into instant tournament favorite.
The Gems and the Bakers, both the losing semifinalists last conference, clash at 3 p.m.
“We should be good as long as we play solid,” Cafe France coach Egay Maca-raya said even as his Bakers tackle one of the title contenders this season.
Jumbo Plastic and Tanduay Light collide in the other match at 1 p.m.
Tautuaa, this season’s top rookie pick, made a quick impression in the league as he towed the Rising Suns to the Finals last conference, before they got swept by eventual champion Hapee.