Blackwater, RnW Pacific Pipes dispute quarterfinal slot

THE BLACKWATER Elite and the RnW Pacific Pipes aim for a spot in the quarterfinals today as they close out their elimination round campaign in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

The knockout match is set 2 p.m. at the the Arena in San Juan.

Both sides trying to overcome string of loses. Blackwater and Pacific Pipes are tied at 4-5 (win-loss) record along with Café France, which is hard-pressed to win its last assignment against leader NLEX (8-1) to force a playoff for a the last quarterfinal spot.

The challenge for the Elite is how to stop the bleeding that threatens to imperil their playoff bid.

After a 3-0 start, the Elite went on six-game losing skid. They only managed to stay in the playoff race after PBA Commissioner Chito Salud  nullified Cobra Energy Drink’s 72-66 victory against the Blackwater last week for fielding an ineligible player.

The Steel Masters (4-5), on the other hand, have lost three of four, including their last two games against NLEX and Freego Jeans (7-3).

Café France coach Egay Macaraya admitted it will be very tough to beat a powerhouse team like NLEX. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio