Gems, Pirates in crucial D-League tiff

Games today (San Juan Arena)

 12 n.n. – Bread Story/LPU vs Cebuana Lhuillier

2 p.m. – Café France vs Wangs Basketball

4 p.m. – Tanduay Light vs AMA University

 MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier goes up against Bread Story-LPU today, looking for a win and a boost to its bid for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
The Gems, toting a 5-4 card, need to win in their 12 noon encounter with the Pirates to secure the No. 4 spot in the next round and foil the Pirates’ own backdoor bid for the quarters incentive. Bread Story is at fifth with a 4-5 mark.

Cebuana Lhuillier is one game behind the fourth running Jumbo Plastic (6-4) but had a chance to tie the Giants with a victory. The Gems secured their place in the quarters following an 85-62 rout of the Wangs Basketball side last week.

“Hopefully, the boys will not be content with what we have accomplished and realize the importance of this game,” said Cebuana coach Boysie Zamar.

“We can’t underestimate our opponent. They’re a competitive and dangerous team,” he added.

But Bread Story-LPU, on a two-game run, is also out for a victory after winning their last two games.

Meanwhile, Café France (8-2) winds up its elimination round assignment against Wangs Basketball (2-7) at 2 p.m. while Tanduay Light (4-6) battles AMA University (3-7) in the other game at 4 p.m.