Big Chill out to atone for loss, P150K fine

Games today (Meralco Gym, Ortigas Ave.)

2 p.m. – Big Chill vs Cebuana

4 p.m. – Cagayan Valley vs Derulo Accelero

MANILA, Philippines - Big Chill and Cebuana Lhuillier try to rebound from stinging setbacks the last time out as they face off in the elimination round of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Meralco gym in Pasig today.

Between the two, however, the Superchargers are hard-pressed to redeem themselves not only from their 75-93 loss to the defending champion Blackwater Elite last Monday but also from the stigma of their walkout that netted the team P150,000 in fines.

The Superchargers, protesting what they deemed was spotty officiating, abandoned the game with 2:50 left in the second quarter with the Elite up, 47-25. Big Chill returned to the court after a few minutes and finished the game. 

“Public interest dictates that walkouts can never be condoned. A walkout represents a total disregard of the principles and values we want our players, teams and the PBA to zealously uphold: sportsmanship and the tenet that public and fan interest is paramount,” said Salud.

Big Chill coach Robert Sison said his wards need to be consistent if they intend to go deep into the playoffs. But he also admitted they are still working on it at the moment.

“We have to be consistent. That’s what carried us to the finals last conference. But I think we’ll be there,” said Sison, whose wards dropped to 2-1 in a tie with the Gems.

Gametime is at 2 p.m.

The Rising Suns, meanwhile, hope to come up with a follow-up to their 70-67 upset over the Gems as they tangle with the winless Derulo Accelero Oilers at 4 p.m.

“The boys’ morale are high following our victory over Cebuana. But Derulo is a dangerous team. So we have to match their effort offensively and defensively,” said Cagayan assistant coach Ogie Gumatay.