Big Chill: NLEX too hot to handle

MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill sets out for probably its toughest test since racking up six straight victories as it slugs it out with defending champion NLEX today even as Blackwater Sports and Cagayan Valley clash in the other topnotch duel in the PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup at the Trinity University of Asia gym in QC.

“I guess every team in the league should have that frame of mind when you face an all-star team like NLEX,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison.

But the Road Warriors are coming off a humbling 78-83 loss to unfancied Hog’s Breath Café last week, giving the Superchargers added boost as they head to their 2 p.m. encounter.

“NLEX loss (to Hog’s Breath) means only one thing – that NLEX will bounce back strong against us and that is what we are prepared for,” said Sison. “I believe being the underdog will bring out the best in the players and the coaching staff as well and this is the motivating factor for our team.”

Prior to their loss Hog’s Breath last Thursday, NLEX was the league’s second-best defensive team, holding its opponents to 68 points allowed per game. But the defending champions failed to stop Hog’s Breath Café’s three-point shooting and reeled to their first loss after sweeping their first three games.