THE Jose Rizal University aims to barge in the top four heading to the quarterfinal round when they finish their prelims campaign with a match against the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems today in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Heavy Bombers earned a slot in the quarterfinals after Fruitas Shakers took care of Boracay Rum, 73-61, which took the load off the shoulders of JRU. Nonetheless, JRU coach Vergel Meneses and his troops are still motivated to win their last elimination round assignment against Cebuana Lhuillier [4-5] to clinch number four seeding and earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The Heavy Bombers have won their last four so they have some momentum going for them in the scheduled 2 p.m. duel that is expected to be fast-paced and physical.
The day’s other match pits Erase Xfoliant [2-7] against semi-finalist-in-waiting Blackwter Sports at 4 p.m.
The Shakers will be rooting for the Heavy Bombers because a win by JRU would pave their entry into the quarterfinals. Big Chill, on the other hand, wants the Gems to win to clinch the No. 4 spot and the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Should JRU win and wind up tied with third place Cagayan Valley and Big Chill [6-4], the Superchargers will be relegated at No. 5 due to inferior quotient. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio