NLEX, C. Lhuillier try to seal title showdown today

BRACING for a tougher stand from their desperate foes, defending champion NLEX and Cebuana Lhuillier try to forge a finals showdown when they seek a sweep of their rivals in Game 2 of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals at the San Juan Gym.

A victory by the Road Warriors in the 4 p.m. duel with Blackwater Sports will send them to a third championship appearance. Undefeated in 10 games so far in the tournament, NLEX has already won two D-League titles.

The Gems, who are on a five-game roll, will be looking to close out their series with the Big Chill Superchargers at 2 p.m.

Cebuana Lhuillier coach Beaujing Acot is bracing for a fightback from Big Chill, which came out flat in the second half and yielded Game 1, 79-66, last Thursday.

“We are just as determined to close out the series,” said Acot, whose wards outscored Big Chill by 27 points in the second half. Cedelf P. Tupas