RnW, Blackwater dispute D-League quarters berth

MANILA, Philippines - RnW Pacific Pipes and Blackwater knock each other out today for a quarterfinal berth while Café France tries to stay in the hunt against pacesetter NLEX as they close out their elimination round campaign in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at The Arena in San Juan. Gametime is at 2 p.m.

Blackwater and Pacific Pipes tote identical 4-5 (win-loss) slates in a tie with Café France, which also goes for a much-needed win against NLEX (8-1) in the 4 p.m. main game for a crack at the last quarters berth.

After a 3-0 start, the Elite went on a slump, losing their next six games. They only managed to stay in the playoff race after PBA commissioner Chito Salud nullified Cobra Energy Drink’s 72-66 victory against Blackwater last week for fielding an ineligible player.

The Steel Masters, on the other hand, have lost three of their last four, including against NLEX and Freego Jeans (7-3).

“I just hope we could be motivated after losing back-to-back games,” said Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson. He said defense will be their key to making it to the next round.

“Our main focus is on making stops. The last two games we allowed our opponents to score 90 points,” Robinson said.

Café France coach Egay Macaraya admitted it will be very tough to beat a powerhouse team like NLEX. But he said they are ready for the challenge.

It’s tough but we’ll try our best. Whatever happens I’m proud of what we have accomplished this conference,” said Macaraya.