Blackwater eyes semis slot, faces Cebuana Lhuillier today

BLACKWATER Elite continues its hunt for the remaining outright semifinals berth when they battle the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems today in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup over at the Trinity University of Asia gym in Quezon City.

Game time is set for 4 p.m. at the Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City following the 2 o’clock encounter between Fruitas and Jose Rizal University.

The Elite will be looking to build on their 81-60 win over the Café France Bakers in their last game. A win by Blackwater Sports [5-2] will give it a comfortable lead over joint third placers Cagayan Valley Rising Suns [5-3] and Big Chill Supechargers [5-3], in the chase for the remaining outright semi-final berth.

League-leader and defending champion NLEX has secured the no.1 seed and first outright semi-final spot with its 9-1 [win-loss] record.

The Gems [3-4] are coming off a 76-89 loss against the Road Warriors and their desire to bounce back to stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth make them a dangerous opponent.

The Fruitas-JRU showdown also promises to be a thriller. The Shakers [4-3] are aiming for a their fourth consecutive victory to have shot for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals while the Heavy Bombers [3-4], tied with the Gems for seventh and eights spots, badly need a victory to keep its hope alive for a playoff spot. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio