Game today (Ynares Arena)
3 p.m. – Blackwater Sports vs Jumbo Plastic
MANILA, Philippines - Jumbo Plastic and Blackwater Sports clash again today with no less than the fourth and last semifinal berth at stake in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.
The Elite forced the sudden death with an 86-78 victory over the twice-to-beat Giants last Tuesday with Blackwater coach Leo Isaac confident of winning their fourth straight knockout game in the 3 p.m. match.
“It’s anybody’s ballgame but definitely the pressure is on their side,†said Isaac. “Momentum is on our side and we have the psychological advantage.â€
The winner will face No. 2 Big Chill in the semis with top seed NLEX and Hog’s Breath Café disputing the other finals berth.
Blackwater Sports stayed alive by seizing control behind their suffocating half-court press that slowed down the Giants.
“Our mindset will be the same. We’ll dictate how we want the game to be played,†said Isaac.
The Giants defeated the Elite, 79-72, in overtime in the elims but failed to flash their killer instinct last Tuesday.
The inability of 6-7 center Jason Ballesteros to dominate the game and their 22 turnovers that netted Blackwater Sports 17 points made matters worse for Jumbo Plastic.