C Lhuillier, Cafe France out to gain D-League No. 2 spot

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier and Café France take on separate rivals today, each looking for a victory and hold of the second spot as the race to the playoffs heats up in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at The Arena in San Juan. 

The Gems test the mettle of the EA Regen side at 12 noon, seeking to nail their third straight victory and fifth overall in seven games while the Bakers try to bounce back from a loss to the defending champion NLEX Road Warriors as they tangle with the skidding Hog’s Breath squad at 4 p.m. 

The other game pits struggling teams Jumbo Plastic and Informatics at 2 p.m.

Cebuana and Café France are tied at third place at 4-1 with both teams hoping to finish in the Top 4 at the end of the eliminations for playoff incentives.

The top two teams after the elims will gain outright semifinal berths while the third and fourth placed teams advance to quarterfinals with twice-to-beat edges.

“We have learned our lessons from our losses to Fruitas and Blackwater Sports. The guys realized there are no shortcuts to success. Hopefully, we’ll be able to stay focused every game,” said Cebuana coach Beaujing Acot.