NLEX kicks off its quest for a fifth straight PBA D-League title today against a Big Chill squad trying to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in the last tournament.
With their virtual all-star cast, the Road Warriors are favored to prevail in the 4 p.m. match at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Cebuana Lhuillier and Boracay Rum tangle in the 12 noon curtain-raiser of the three-game opener of the Foundation Cup, followed by the 2 p.m. clash between Fruitas and newcomer Jumbo Plastic.
“We are aching to redeem ourselves,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison, whose Superchargers bowed out of the quarterfinals.
NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez expects a tough outing, however, noting that some of his men suffered injuries during their title sweep against the Cagayan two weeks ago.