NLEX battles arch nemesis Cebuana today in D-League

THE atmosphere will be both intense and playoff-like today as the reigning champions NLEX Road Warriors face their old nemesis, Cebuana Lhuillier, in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

The 4 p.m. showdown marks the first meeting between the two teams since NLEX swept Cebuana Lhuillier in a best-of-3 finals last conference to claim the Foundation Cup. The Gems (8-1), who have already clinched their spot in the Final Four, is on a five-game winning run while the Road Warriors (7-1) have won six in a row.

The much-awaited encounter has become anti-climactic after Freego Jeans (7-3) blew its chance for an outright semifinal berth following its LOSS to Café France last week.

Meanwhile, Big Chill (6-3) aims to close out the elimination round with an all-important win against struggling Blackwater at 2 p.m. to earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Blackwater has lost its last five games but got a big boost in its campaign when PBA Commissioner Chito Salud nullified Cobra Energy Drink’s, 72-63 win against the Elite last Monday because the Iron Men fielded an ineligible player during the game – a violation of league rules.

Cobra Energy Drink thus became the first team in the fledgling league to lose a game by forfeiture. The commissioner’s decision gave the Elite a new lease on life. Instead of teetering on the brink of elimination, they suddenly find themselves with a big chance to advance.

A win against the SuperChargers will earn them at least playoff for the last quarterfinal berth. The Elite stand to gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round should they win their last two games. Blackwater closes the elimination round against RnW Pacific Pipes on Jan.17. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio