Gems shoot for first D-League Final Four berth

THE CEBUANA Lhuillier Gems shoot for the first semifinal berth against the cellar-dwelling Liver Marin in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday.

“We can’t underestimate an opponent,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar. “Once you think you’re invincible, you expose your weakness and that’s when trouble starts.”

Aside from going for the first of two outright Final Four slots, the Gems also aim to extend their perfect run to seven games in the 3 p.m. match at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Cafe France, running second with a 5-2 card, tries to boost its own semifinal bid against the overachieving KeraMix squad in the first game at 1 p.m.

Zamar reminded the Gems how overconfidence nearly cost them in their recent overtime escape versus AMA University, 97-90.

Filipino-Tongan Moala Tautuaa, who posted a double-double of 30 points and 19 rebounds in that match, teamed up with guard Simon Enciso in the final stretch to bail out the Gems.

The Bakers, though, fell short in their own overtime encounter last week that snapped their five-game winning streak.

Although the Bakers kept second spot after dropping a 72-75 decision to struggling Hapee, the loss buoyed the Final Four hopes of two other squads.

KeraMix, tied at third place with last conference’s finalist Cagayan Valley at 4-3, looks capable of pulling off another upset and spoiling the Bakers’ bid to secure at least a playoff for an automatic semifinal seat.

Just last week, the Mixers stunned the Rising Suns, 89-84.