NLEX, Big Chill clash for D-league lead

NLEX tries to stretch its record winning streak against the last squad that beat the three-time champion in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today.

The Road Warriors, now unbeaten in 22 straight games, tackle a confident Big Chill squad at 4 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City with coach Boyet Fernandez also looking to avenge their last loss to the same Superchargers in Game 1 of the semifinals two conferences ago on Jan. 26.

“They have a complete lineup just like ours,” said Fernandez of the Superchargers minutes after his Road Warriors downed Fruitas in a 92-73 blowout win last Monday to surpass the longest winning streak of 21 Crispa set in the PBA 29 years ago.

Fruitas hopes to rebound from that big NLEX beating against Erase Xfoliant in the first game at 2 p.m.

The Superchargers have retooled their roster now with Far Eastern University standouts Terrence Romeo and Arvie Bringas.

“When I built this team, I had NLEX in mind as a yardstick,” said Big Chill coach Robert Sison. “So this game is big for us.”

Both teams, though, have to do without their Ateneo stalwarts, who are set to see action for their school in the finals of the PCCL tournament today.

The Road Warriors will be without Nico Salva and Greg Slaughter while the Superchargers will miss Ryan Buenafe.