NLEX, Max Bond seek semifinal showdown

MANILA—The NLEX Road Warriors and the Max Bond Super Glue Sumos try to arrange a semifinal showdown when they collide against separate foes today in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Although boasting a star-studded lineup, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez said the Road Warriors are not taking the FCA Cultivators lightly in their 4 p.m. match.
“NLEX is a very deep team,” said FCA coach Arsenio Dysangco. “I hope we get lucky when we play them. That’s our only chance.”
The Sumos will take on the at 2 p.m. heavily favored to prevail due to a strong roster led by Asean Basketball League aces Rudy Lingganay and Junjun Cabatu and former Far Eastern U star Reil Cervantes.
Cebuana Lhuillier, another early favorite, and PC Gilmore had earlier arranged a Final Four showdown after eliminating their quarterfinal foes last week.
The Road Warriors earned an outright quarterfinal berth after topping Group A at 5-1 behind the strong plays of Filipino-American forward Clifford Hodge, Eric Salamat, Calvin Abueva and Ian Sangalang.
“We don’t want to miss this opportunity,” said Max Bond coach Pido Jarnecio. “This is playoff time. Our team is prepared and ready to play consistently for four quarters.”
Blackwater coach Leo Isaac, however, thinks that Gio Ciriacruz and the rest of the Elite can keep pace with the Sumos.
“All you need is one good game and you advance to the semifinals,” said Isaac.