Lhuillier, NLEX stage showdown

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier and NLEX clash today in an explosive match-up of title contenders even as Big Chill goes for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals against Blackwater in the PBA Aspirants’ Cup at the San Juan gym.

The 4 p.m. showdown between the Gems and the Road Warriors mark their first face-off since NLEX swept Cebuana in their best-of-three finals in the inaugural Foundation Cup.

Both teams are on a winning streak. The Gems (8-1) are on a five-game winning run while the Road Warriors (7-1) have won six in a row.

But the match has become anti-climactic after Freego Jeans (7-3) blew its chance to vie for an outright semis berth following its defeat to Café France last week.

Still, Fernandez expects a fierce battle.

“This game is all about pride. Obviously, Cebuana is aching to avenge their loss in last conference’s finals. On the other hand we are aiming to for the spot and formalize our entry in the semifinals. So this game is almost like a finals match,” Fernandez said.

Meanwhile, Big Chill (6-3) aims to close out its elims stint with an all-important win against Blackwater at 2 p.m. for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.

Blackwater has lost its last five games but got a big boost when PBA commissioner Chito Salud nullified Cobra Energy Drink’s 72-63 victory against the Elite last Monday.

Salud ruled to forfeit Cobra’s last game in the elims because the Iron Men fielded an ineligible player during the game – a violation under league rules.

Cobra Energy Drink thus became the first team in the fledgling league to lose a game by forfeiture.