Blackwater tries to keep 2nd vs C. Lhuillier

BLACKWATER Sports coach Leo Isaac expects a physical match when his Elite go up against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems today, seeking to keep solo second in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City

Another victory for the Elite (5-2) at 4 p.m. against the retooled Gems will give them a solid shot at the second outright semifinal berth behind defending champion and elimination topnotcher NLEX (9-1).

“I expect their (Gems) usual physical game and we are prepared for it,” said Isaac, who relies heavily on University of Santo Tomas stalwarts Jeric Fortuna, Kevin Ferrer and Karim Abdul. “We’re in a good position, so hopefully we can do good in our remaining games.”

The erratic Gems (3-4), try to turn their campaign around by signing up four new players in James Martinez, Rex Leynes, Jessie Bustos and Jammer Jamito.

Meanwhile, Fruitas tries to boost its own quarterfinal bid versus Jose Rizal University in the first game at 2 p.m.

“Every game is important if we want to get past the elimination round,” said Fruitas coach Nash Racela.

Fruitas, toting a 4-3 record, tries to extend its winning streak to four games to forge a three-way tie for third place.