S’chargers, Giants step up playoff drive

Games today (Ynares Arena)

12 noon – Wangs Basketball vs Big Chill

2 p.m. – Jumbo Plastic vs Blackwater Sports

4 p.m. – Boracay Rum vs Zambales M-Builders

MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill tries to firm up its hold of the solo lead while Jumbo Plastic seeks to seize solo second as they take on Wangs Basketball and Blackwater Sports, respectively, today in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup’s final playdate for the year at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

The Superchargers go for their fourth straight win and 10th overall in 11 games against the Wangs Basketball side (4-5) at 12 noon while the Giants shoot for their eighth victory in 10 matches against contenders Blackwater Sports Elite (4-2) at 2 p.m.

Boracay Rum (3-5) and Zambales M-Builders (3-7) duel in a clash of struggling teams at 4 p.m.

But while Big Chill is fancied over Wangs, Jumbo Plastic faces a tough test against Blackwater.

“This game will determine whether my players have what it takes to compete against a disciplined team like Blackwater. We did pretty good in our first nine games, now we’ll see if we can play the next level,” said Jumbo coach Steven Tiu.

Today’s triple-bill will be the league’s last for the year. The elimination round will resume on Jan. 6. 

With a 7-2 card, the Giants look ready for the playoff phase although they have yet to play the league’s top caliber teams. They, however, hope to ride on the momentum of their 73-61 romp over the Derulo Accelero Oilers last Tuesday as they try to move to solo second.

Blackwater Sports, meanwhile, hopes to come out strong from a two-week layoff since absorbing a 68-75 setback to Cagayan Valley last Dec. 2. But coach Leo Isaac said a couple of tune-up games has kept the Elite in game shape.

“My concern is how to deal with (Jumbo’s) size. Their big men are really imposing their size so that’s the challenge for us. The key for us is to stop (Jason) Ballesteros. If we could keep him away from his comfort zone we might have a shot,” said Isaac.