NLE t t Ho r t tt tod

Hog’s Breath Caf stakes its unbeaten run as it faces off an equally streaking NLE side while Jumbo Plastic tries to firm up its own bid against Wang’s Basketball in the PBA D-League Aspirant’s Cup today at the Blue Eagle gym.

The 2 p.m. encounter between the Razorbacks and the Road Warriors is also billed as a rematch of the recent NCAA finals duel with the core of the Letran nights spearheading Hog’s Breath Caf ’s bid and the San Beda Lions stalwarts leading the defending champion NLE ’s drive.

But Hog’s Breath coach Caloy Garcia quickly downplayed the NCAA rivalry.

“The NCAA is over. This is a different league. The teams are also different,” said Garcia whose nights fell to the Lions in the decider, enabling San Beda to complete a four-peat.

The Razorbacks are chasing their fifth straight win with Letran stars evin Racal, Jonathan Belorio, Reneford Ruaya and Jamil Gabawan expected to lead the charge again against the Road Warriors, bannered by Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun, Art dela Cruz, yle Pascual, Ryusei oga and Rome dela Rosa.

NLE is also eyeing its fourth win in a row as it tries to close in on league leader Big Chill, which swept its first six matches. The Superchargers are scheduled to play the Road Warriors on Monday.

Jumbo Plastic, meanwhile, goes for its fourth win in five starts as it takes on upset conscious Wang’s Basketball at 10 a.m while Arellano University and Derulo Acceleo collide at 12 noon in a duel of struggling teams.

“Playing NLE is like playing the national team. They are a deep team. They have the height and are complete in every position. But every game is different. Hopefully, our speed will be more than enough to neutralize their height advantage,” said Garcia.

The Razorbacks are coming off a 91-69 rout of the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems last Tuesday, giving them the confidence and momentum against the Road Warriors.

“They are the league’s top offensive team, so it will be very interesting match-up,” said NLE coach Boyet Fernandez, who steered the Lions to a rare fourth straight championship in the NCAA.

The Razorbacks normed 91 points in four starts although they will be severely tested by the Road Warriors, who rank second in the league in defense, holding their rivals to 68 points a game.