PBA D-League resumes Jan 3

MANILA, Philippines - Action in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup resumes Jan. 3 with nine teams, led by Cebuana Lhuillier, fighting it out for playoff berths.

The Gems show the way with an 8-1 mark and are fancied to make it to the next round along with Freego Jeans (6-2) and Big Chill (6-3) while Foundation Cup champion NLEX is almost there with a 5-1 slate.

The Gems and Road Warriors collide on Jan. 12 for the outright semis berth. If the current form holds up, the loser could drop to a duel with the Jeans Makers for the other outright seat.

Big Chill tries to nail the second twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals but if Blackwater (3-3), RnW Pacific Pipes (4-3) or Boracay Rum (4-4) recover and pile up victories at resumption of the tournament, the Super Chargers may find themselves going through a playoff to clinch the incentive.

Despite their current ranking, PC Gilmore (2-5) and CafeFrance (2-5) remain in the hunt for a berth in the Top Six although they need to sweep their remaining games. DUB Unlimited (1-7) and Cobra Energy Drink (1-8) are out of contention but could play the spoilers’ role in the final six playdates in the elims.

Cebuana Lhuillier has dominated the field behind Vic Manuel, Terrence Romeo and ex-pro Jai Reyes with the Gems tipped to sustain their run with Kevin Alas back from a US training.