Blackwater, NLEX dispute PBA D-League title slots

MANILA, Philippines — NLEX hopes to march into the finals still perfect as it tries to finish off Cebuana Lhuillier in Game 2 of their PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Unbeaten in 10 games, the Road Warriors head into the 2 p.m. match still wary of the Gems, who stayed within striking distance for most of their Game 1 duel.

“Cebuana is a tough team,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

“I’m pretty sure they’ll try to bounce back in Game 2, so we must be ready.”

Blackwater Sports, hoping to ride the momentum of its Game 1 win, also goes for a sweep of Jumbo Plastic at 12 noon.

“We don’t want to give them any opportunity to turn this series around,” said Blackwater coach Leo Isaac.

The defending champion Elite drubbed the Giants, 84-70, in a commanding Game 1 triumph anchored on Jericho Cruz, Gilbert Bulawan, Mark Cruz, Kevin Ferrer and Reil Cervantes.

Isaac wants his Elite to come out with the same aggressive game they showed in the opener where they led in double-figures all the way.

Unlike the Elite, the Road Warriors needed a strong endgame push to dispose of the Gems, 70-60, in Game 1 last Thursday.