Cebuana Lhuillier goes for the solo lead in Group B as the Gems take on the struggling Junior Powerade Tigers on Thursday in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-League Foundation Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym. The Gems, who are hoping to clinch win No. 3 after an 80-58 trouncing of FCA last March 31, take on the winless Tigers at 4 p.m.
The Tigers, meanwhile, will face another undefeated team for the second straight game in Cebuana Lhuillier after suffering an 86-73 loss to Cobra Energy Drink on March 24.
Despite the Tigers' dismal record, Cebuana coach Luigi Trillo said they won't take Junior Powerade lightly, especially with their opponents having two Filipino-American players - John Smith and Mark Jeffries - combining for 27 points against the Ironmen.
"Their two Fil-Americans really work well, plus they have a young team. They played well in the first half against Cobra but they couldn't sustain it in the second half," said Trillo.
In the 2 p.m. first game, Blackwater guns for its second consecutive win when they take on Freego Jeans.
The Elite hope to follow up their 72-69 win over RnW Pacific Pipes so they can join Group A co-leaders Pharez, North Luzon Expressway and PC Gilmore.
The Falcons, meanwhile, have yet to register a win after two games in the tournament. Their last defeat was a 72-81 setback against PC Gilmore last March 29.
Reuben Terrado, GMA News TV
