D-League Foundation Cup set

THE mettle of the NLEX Road Warriors will be severely tested as they gun for a fifth straight title in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup, which kicks off next Tuesday with a triple-header at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Road Warriors are coming off a title conquest of the Aspirant’s Cup, wherein they swept the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns in the finals for their fourth consecutive championship to remain as the only titlist in this league.

However, head coach Boyet Fernandez has his reservations regarding their title defense.

“This will be a very exciting and competitive conference. With three new teams joining the league, defending the crown will be tough,” said Fernandez.

Twelve teams, including two newcomers, are taking part in the second conference of the league. Providing challenge for the Road Warriors are Big Chill, Blackwater Sports, Boracay Rum, Café France, Cagayan Valley, Cebuana Lhuillier, Fruitas Shalers, Informatics and newcomers Hogs Breath Café, Jumbo Plastic and EA Regen Medical Group Inc.

“The just concluded Aspirants’ Cup saw the rise of new stars and new rivalries. I expect no less this conference. The Foundation Cup, with three new teams taking part, promises to be as thrilling and exciting,” said PBA Commissioner Chito Salud in a statement.

Opening games schedule features Cebuana Lhuillier against Boracay Rum at 12 noon while Fruitas tests the mettle of Jumbo Plastic at 2 p.m. NLEX open its campaign for a fifth consecutive championship against Big Chill in the third game at 4 p.m. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio