D-League: Gems, Erasers tangle today

Cebuana Lhuillier and Erase Xfoliant try to work their way from the middle of the pack when they tangle in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today at Trinity University of Asia gym in Quezon City.

Both aiming to rebound from narrow losses, the Gems and the Erasers gun for a third victory in their 4 p.m. battle, right after struggling teams JRU-Air21 and Boracay Rum clash at 2 p.m.

“We just have to take things positively and learn from our mistakes,” said Cebuana coach Beaujing Acot. “Our mindset is to make the playoffs and hopefully make the semifinals.”

The Gems and the Erasers share sixth place at 2-3 along with idle Fruitas.

Only six from the 11-team field will advance to the next round at the end of the round robin eliminations.

The top two teams will earn outright semifinal berths, while the third-and fourth-seeded teams will clinch the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

“I’d already be satisfied if we reach the playoffs,” said Erase coach Aric del Rosario.

The Erasers, powered by Nate Matute, Jett Vidal and George Allen, try to regain their winning touch after a 73-78 setback against Fruitas.

Last week, the Gems also fell to Cagayan Valley, 82-86, even with Raymond Aguilar and Paul Zamar combining for 34 points.

Newcomer JRU-Air21 (1-3), which similarly lost in close encounters, try to boost its slim playoff chances along with Boracay Rum (0-5).