NLEX, Fruitas clash in crucial D-League tiff

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX and Fruitas clash in a key matchup today with both teams seeking a share of second with Café France as the race to the playoffs heats up in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO gym in Quezon City.

The defending champion Road Warriors have racked up four straight victories after back-to-back setbacks, hoping to sustain their run against the Shakers in the 12 noon encounter of another triplebill. 

In other games, Cagayan Valley tries to bounce back as it plays ousted Hog’s Breath (1-5) at 10 a.m. while Big Chill squares off with winless Informatics (0-6) at 2 p.m. 

The Rising Suns and the Superchargers, tied at 3-4, go for crucial wins to stay in the hunt for playoff berths. Cagayan Valley is on a three-game skid while Big Chill has lost three of its last four games.

“This game is crucial to both teams. The winner will have a good chance of making it to the playoffs,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Shakers are coming off a 63-74 loss to EA Regen last Thursday and are aching to bounce back to stay in contention for the coveted playoff positions.

NLEX, Fruitas and EA Regen tote similar 4-2 slates for third place while Café France (5-2) is in second behind solo leader Blackwater Sports (6-1).

The Road Warriors struggled early in the tournament following the unexpected departure of center Ian Sanggalang and Greg Slaughter and dropped their first two games to Big Chill and Cebuana Lhuillier.