C. Lhuillier eyes lead versus Big Chill today

CEBUANA Lhuillier seeks a share of the lead when it squares off with Big Chill today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Gems gun for their third straight win in the 4 p.m. clash with the Superchargers, who are also coming off back-to-back victories.

The Cagayan Rising Suns try to finally break into the win column against a Junior Powerade squad looking to bounce back from a lopsided loss in the 2 p.m. curtain raiser.

Cebuana coach Luigi Trillo is bracing for a tough battle against the Superchargers.

“We know Big Chill is one of those teams that play a physical game,” said Trillo. “It’s the way they play and we respect that.”

Trillo is pinning his hopes on Lester Alvarez and Vic Manuel as the Gems try to deal with the Superchargers’ formidable squad led by point guard Jeff Viernes, shooter Mac Montilla and swingman Alex Mallari.

“They have (Charles) Jensen, (Alex) Mallari and (Raffy) Reyes, who are sure PBA picks in the coming PBA Draft,” said Trillo. “They added the league’s scoring leader last season (Jeff) Viernes and (Mac) Montilla, and (Jewel) Ponferada is probably the most physical big man out there this season.”

Trillo hopes to have the likes of Yousif Taha and Kevin Alas back in the lineup after missing the previous games due to injuries.

Big Chill coach Robert Sison is confident his wards will be able to carry the momentum of their past two wins.

“I am hoping that we could carry on the momentum of our past two wins against Cebuana,” said Sison. “Winning games makes the players believe in the system and that is the key.”

The Junior Tigers try to get back on the winning track after absorbing a 53-86 crushing from NLEX last week.

The Rising Suns are still reeling from a 66-98 drubbing from Big Chill, but they can take heart at Lucas Tagarda’s impressive performance of 26 points and eight assists in that game.