Blackwater tries to firm up bid for No. 2

Games today

2 p.m. – Fruitas vs JRU

4 p.m. – Cebuana vs Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines - Blackwater tries to zero in on the other outright semifinal berth as it clashes with struggling Cebuana Lhuillier in the PBA D-League Aspirant Cup today at the Trinity University of Asia gym in Quezon City.

The Elite have not seen action since blasting the Café France Bakers, 81-60, last December but coach Leo Isaac remains confident of his wards’ chances against the Gems in their 4 p.m. encounter.

“We started practice last Jan.  4 after the holiday break but I think that’s more than enough time to prepare. We’ll be ready,” said Isaac.

Blackwater Sports is eyeing to improve to 6-2 and build some cushion over joint third running Cagayan Valley and Big Chill (5-3) in the battle for the other outright semis seat.

Defending back-to-back champion NLEX has long since clinched the first outright berth with a 9-1 record.

The Gems, meanwhile, are coming off a 76-89 loss to the Road Warriors for a 4-3 card and are in need of a win to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

Streaking Fruitas, on the other hand, tries to catch up with Big Chill and Cagayan as it takes on Jose Rizal University (3-4) in the opener at 2 p.m.

The Shakers are aiming for their fourth consecutive victory as they bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters while the Heavy Bombers, tied with the Gems at seventh, badly need a win to keep its hope alive for a playoff spot.