Gems, Chargers vie for share of lead

MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill and Cebuana Lhuillier gun for a share of the lead as they collide today in a duel of title contenders in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the FEU gym.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the Super Chargers riding on a big 85-83 victory over the Foundation Cup champions NLEX Road Warriors last Thursday.

NLEX, meanwhile, tries to rebound from that loss as it goes for its second win in three starts against winless Cobra Energy Drink at 2 p.m.

Only six teams will advance to the playoffs after the single round elims with the top two gaining outright semifinal berths. The third and fourth placed teams will enjoy twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.

“Cebuana remains to be one of the teams to beat. But if we play hard and with a lot of intensity, I believe we will be in for another close game,” said Big Chill coach Arsenio Dysangco.

He added the Gems would be tough to defend because of their deep bench.

“I feel playing with a lot of heart and maintaining composure are keys to this game. We’ll just try our best to give them a good fight,” he said.

But the Gems are coming off a week-long layoff although they are expected to come out strong for the crucial match.

Cebuana coach Luigi Trillo, however, remains wary of the surging Super Chargers.

“People don’t realize that this is a team with a lot of veterans,” Trillo said referring to Big Chill guard Raffy Reyes, forward June Dizon and center Jewel Ponferada.