NLEX back with coach, 5 key players vs Jumbo

Games today (Ynares Arena)

12 nn –  Big Chill vs Café France

2 p.m. – NLEX vs Jumbo Plastic

4 p.m. --  Cebuana Lhuillier vs Boracay Rum

MANILA, Philippines - Jumbo Plastic coach Stevenson Tiu readily admitted that getting away with a victory against NLEX is a tall order.

“It’s a long shot,” said Tiu of their chances of pulling off a surprise.

With 6-foot-9 Ola Adeogun, Kyle Pascual, Ryusei Koga, Baser Amer and Art dela Cruz back in the line-up after missing three games, the Road Warriors should have little trouble clinching their seventh straight win and galvanize their chances for an outright semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

Game time is 2 p.m. at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.

After pitching in for three games, assistant coach Mon Celis is handing back the rein to head coach Boyet Fernandez. Fernandez and his San Beda Red Lions team that included Adeogun and company who arrived Tuesday night from Lithuania after two weeks of training in preparation for the upcoming NCAA season.

“My job is done. I’m relieved that I will be handing back the coaching chores to (coach) Boyet with team still on a winning streak,” said Celis after their 98-82 victory against Derulo Accelero on Monday.

The Giants are the league’s top defensive team with an average 61 points allowed per game. But Tiu said it would be tough to limit NLEX under 70 points, noting NLEX’s deep bench.  

“I’m only hoping our winning streak would continue to boost our confidence, momentum and rhythm,” Tiu said. “If we could give NLEX a tough fight, that’s already good to me because it gives us some leverage in our succeeding games.”

In the other games, Big Chill takes on Café France at 12 noon while Cebuana Lhuillier battles Boracay Rum at 4 p.m.

The Superchargers and the Bakers are tied at 2-3 record with both teams out to snap a three-game skid to stay in contention for a playoff spot.

The Gems, on the other hand, try to extend their winning run to four games to  bolster their bid for an outright semifinal berth.  Cebuana Lhuillier and Jumbo Plastic are tied at second place with 4-1 record behind NLEX (6-0).