NLEX, Cafe France gun for share of top spot

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning champion NLEX and Cafe France gun for a share of the lead when they clash against separate rivals in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena Thursday.

The Road Warriors, who ruled the Aspirants Cup last month, shoot for their second win against RNW Pacific Pipes at 4 p.m., while Cafe France also has the same target in their 2 p.m. date against Big Chill.

NLEX opened the tournament in style, overcoming Big Chill, 80-70, behind the hardworking Calvin Abueva, who tallied 18 points and eight rebounds.

The Steelmasters are hoping to bounce back from a listless performance against Blackwater Elite, which dealt them a 67-88 beating on opening-day.

The Road Warriors have retained the core of the squad that ruled the last two conferences of the D-League.

Filipino-Americans Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis are still around to power NLEX, which prevailed over Freego Jeans in the finals in the last conference. Adding strength to the attack is Kirk Long.

Cafe France also got off auspiciously with a 74-57 rout of Erase Plantcenta last week.

Jens Knuttel starred for Cafe France.

The game will mark the return of coach Robert Sison, who has been tasked to handle Big Chill. Cedelf P. Tupas