NLEX shoots for a fifth straight victory against a Cebuana Lhuillier team unveiling its new coach in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Road Warriors can solidify their hold of top spot with a victory in the 2 p.m. clash against the Gems, who will have former University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Beaujing Acot calling the shots.
“I am thankful to the management for their trust and for this opportunity to coach the team,” said Acot, who replaced Luigi Trillo, promoted head coach by the Alaska Aces early this week. “With the team intact, we will move forward and do the best that we can.”
RnW Pacific Pipes goes up against Cafe France at 12 noon with both teams looking to enhance their postseason chances.
The Steelers tote a 2-2 record and a win can move them closer to a quarterfinal berth. Languishing at eighth spot with a 1-3 record, the Bakers are hard-pressed to prevail to stay in the fight for a spot in the playoffs.
With the race for the two outright semifinal berths heating up, Acot has a tough task of steering the Gems past the Road Warriors, who will miss San Sebastian standouts Ian Sangalang and Calvin Abueva, who are in the United States with the Stags. Cedelf P. Tupas
NLEX 4 0
Blackwater 4 1
C. Lhuillier 3 1
Big Chill 3 2
RnW P. Pipes 2 2
E. Plantcenta 2 3
Jr Powerade 2 3
Boracay Rum 2 3
Café France 1 3
Cagayan 0 5
GAMES TODAY
(Ynares Sports Arena)
12 p.m.—RnW Pacific Pipes vs Café France
2 p.m.—Cebuana
Lhuillier vs NLEX