Big Chill coach Robert Sison had an interesting way of assessing their upcoming finals series against defending champion NLEX for the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title.
“These are two wild dogs in the cage staring at each other for a very long time, waiting to be unleashed,” said Sison. “And I think the cage will be unleashed in Game One.”
The Superchargers wrested a slot for the best-of-three finals series after defeating Cebuana Lhuillier, 83-80, in Game Three of the semifinals. The series opener is set on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Both squads had memorable tiffs in the past including the previous Aspirants Cup. Although the Road Warriors claimed the title, they had a hard time against the Superchargers, who beat them twice that conference including one in the best-of-three semifinal series.
Sison, however, says NLEX is no doubt the favorite for this conference’s title series.
“NLEX is a very tough team. They are well-coached that is why we have to prepare for them especially since they are well-rested,” said Sison.
The Road Warriors swept Blackwater Sports in their best-of-three semifinal eries. Their coaching staff led by head mentor Boyet Fernandez were in the stands for Game Three of Big Chill's series with Cebuana Lhuillier series to scout their title rivals.
“It’s going to be hard but we are going to try. We are going to try to reach our ultimate goal,” Sison said.
Big Chill had the start it wanted, pulling away to an early 23-9 lead after the first period. Cebuana Lhuillier, however, made a big run that sliced the gap to three points, 61-58.
The Gems continued their onslaught, taking the lead at 69-60. But the Superchargers, led by Alex Mallari, Jam Cortes and Jessie Collado hit the big shots in the end game.
“Cebuana just played well since it’s a do-or-die game,” said Sison.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
