PBA D-League playoffs race heats up

MANILA, Philippines—Teams in the PBA D-League brace for dogfights as they contest playoff berths when the tournament resumes Tuesday.

Nine of the 11 squads remain in the hunt for playoff berths, setting the stage for a wild finish in the preliminary round.

So far, only Cebuana Lhuilier, with an 8-1 record, Freego Jeans (6-2) and Big Chill seemed to have a lock on slots in the next round along with inaugural champ NLEX (5-1).

The top two finishers at the end of the elimination round will gain outright semifinal berths, and the clash between Cebuana and NLEX on Jan. 12 could determine the first team in the Final Four.

The Gems, who have evolved into one cohesive fighting unit under coach Luigi Trillo, will be hoping to draw big efforts from forward Vic Manuel and guards Terrence Romeo and Jai Reyes.

Cebuana could get a boost in January as ace guard Kevin Alas returns to the lineup after a training trip in the United States.

The Road Warriors will be missing sniper Ronald Pascual for the remainder of the tournament due to an ACL tear, but still boast ample firepower in Garvo Lanete and Chris Ellis.

NCAA MVP Calvin Abueva, Far Eastern U star RR Garcia and Clifford Hodge also play key roles for the Road Warriors.

The Jeans Makers, behind Lester Alvarez and the returning Alex Nuyles, are also hoping to make a push for the last semifinal berth. To achieve that, they would have to beat the loser of the Cebuana-NLEX clash.

The Superchargers are in a good position to clinch a twice-to-beat quarterfinals edge, although Blackwater (3-3), RnW Pacific Pipes (4-3) and Boracay Rum (4-4) are capable of snatching the other bonus.

The scenario looks grim for PC Gilmore (2-5) and CafeFrance (2-5) to make the Top 6. They would need to win their remaining games to advance.