Manila, Philippines – Big Chill goes for its tenth victory while Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater Sports provide early fireworks when they clash today as the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup holds a triple-header before the holiday break at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The league-leader Superchargers battle Wang’s Basketball at 12 noon while the Giants and the Elite clash at 2 p.m. before Boracay Rum and Zambales MBuilders cap the heavy schedule when they duel at 4 p.m.
Led by Reil Cervantes, Brian Heruela, Jeckster Apinan, Rodney Brondial and Juneric Baloria, Big Chill won its third straight game by beating Zambales, 82-71, to hike its record to 9-1.
Coach Robert Sison, however, is not taking Wang’s Basketball lightly as the Couriers are capable of scoring an upset. The Couriers, led by Michael Juico and Macky Acosta, improved to 4-5 after rallying from 13-points down in the fourth to beat Arellano-Air21, 71-68.
Odds are just about even for Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater who are both bidding to secure one of the two outright semifinals berths in the 14-team tournament.
While Jumbo Plastic is coming off an inspiring 73-61 win over Derulo Accelero, Blackwater will be playing for the fi rst time in two weeks after its request to move its games was granted.
With the return of Philippine team members Kevin Ferrer and Jericho Cruz from a successful SEA Games stint, expect Blackwater to be in top form again.
“They arrived Monday night, wala pa silang practice but they will play,” said owner Dioceldo Sy.
The Giants are sporting a 7-2 record while the Elite have a 4-2 mark. (Christian Jacinto)