Gems seek vital win vs Erasers

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier shoots for a crucial win against Erase Plantcenta as it zeroes in on the No. 2 spot at the close of its elims campaign in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Treston gym in Taguig City.

Gems’ coach Beaujing Acot have vowed to go all-out for a victory in their 4 p.m. clash with the Erasers as they try to stay in contention for the second outright semifinal spot. 

“This is a crucial game for us. Erase Plantcenta is no pushover so we really have to be focused. Our destiny is not in our hands but we still have to win to have a shot (for the outright semis berth),” said Acot.

Cebuana Lhuillier is tied with Big Chill at second with 6-2 slates behind unbeaten defending champion and leader NLEX (8-0) with Blackwater just behind with a 5-3 mark.

Should Cebuana Lhuillier and Big Chill end up tied at the close of the elims Thursday, the Super Chargers will clinch the No. 2 spot by virtue of the winner-over-the-other rule. Big Chill overwhelmed Cebuana Lhuillier, 68-52, in the elims. 

Big Chill’s last game will be against RnW Pacific Pipes.

“We’re not looking ahead at this point. Right now our mindset is to get a win against Erase Plantcenta then see what happens from there,” said Acot.

The Erasers (3-5) are out of contention for the outright semis seat but are hard-pressed to score a win to advance to the quarters.

Café France, which also totes a 3-5 card, could clinch the last quarterfinal berth with a victory over Blackwater Sports in the other game at 2 p.m.

In case of a tie for the last quarters berth, the Bakers will advance due to a superior quotient.