PBA D-league NLEX eyes 3rd straight vs DUB

MANILA, Philippines—Still in contention for an automatic semifinal berth, NLEX seeks a third straight victory when it tangles with struggling DUB Unlimited Friday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Meralco Gym.

The Road Warriors are actually gunning for their fourth win in five games in the 4 p.m. game against the Wheelers, who are coming off a 68-72 loss to Boracay Rum last Monday.

Big Chill shoots for back-to-back victories against winless PC Gilmore in the 2 p.m. game.

The Superchargers, toting a 5-3 record, will ride the momentum of their 85-75 win over the Waves last Wednesday.

Jopher Custodio and Jerry Glorioso starred in that victory, giving coach Arsenio Dysangco additional ammunition for the tougher grind ahead.

Dysangco is targeting at least two wins in the Superchargers’ last three games to put them in a good position to clinch a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.

Big Chill isn’t looking past the PC Gilmore, though.

The Wizards showed plenty of fight against co-leader Cebuana Lhuillier, only to falter, 67-76.

“PC Gilmore has improved a lot in its last two games,” said Dysangco. “I am worried they are poised for a breakout game, which is why I believe the key to the game will be keeping our intensity and playing hard as a team.”

NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said they cannot afford to relax against the Wheelers, who dealt Freego Jeans its only loss of the tournament.

“They had beaten Freego and they are playing as a team right now so we have to double our efforts if we want to keep pace with the league leaders,” said Fernandez, whose squad downed Blackwater Elite, 75-73, Monday.

Fernandez could miss Eman Monfort and Dave Marcelo, who might suit up for the Ateneo Eagles and the San Beda Lions, respectively, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.