BIG Chill and Cagayan Valley try to break out of a four-way tie for second when they take on unpredictable opponents in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today at Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.
The Superchargers take on Erase Xfoliant, which Big Chill coach Robert Sison describes as “dangerous,” in the 2 p.m. match while the Rising Suns tackle Jose Rizal University-Air21 in the first game at 12 noon.
Big Chill and Cagayan Valley share second spot with idle Blackwater Sports and Café France at 4-2 behind solo leader and defending champion NLEX (8-1).
“We know how tight the race for the outright semifinal berth is and it is important for us to win against Erase,” said Sison.
Only the top two teams at the end of the eliminations will earn outright semifinal spots, while the next four square off in the quarterfinals.
The Superchargers, led by Terrence Romeo, Ryan Buenafe and Arvie Bringas, hope to arrest a two-game skid dealt by NLEX (91-67) and Fruitas (88-81) after a big 4-0 start.
“Erase is a dangerous team,” said Sison, noting that a “poor defensive effort” cost them in their last two outings.
“The scorers can explode any given time. Coach Aric (del Rosario) is a veteran coach and he has in his shoulders the winning formula for winning games.”
The Rising Suns also try to rebound from a loss to the Road Warriors (84-75) behind Chris Exciminiano and Raymond Almazan.
“JRU is a tough team,” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua. “But we are motivated. Every game for us is a must win. Hopefully, that mind-set will land us in the playoffs.”