Unbeaten Blackwater, Freego clash for Aspirants Cup lead

Blackwater attempts to remain on top of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup's team standings when it takes on fellow unbeaten Freego Jeans Thursday at the Arellano University Gym. Blackwater coach Leo Isaac considers their 4 p.m. game against Freego Jeans an acid test as the Elite goes for their fourth win. "Freego Jeans is a team that plays aggressive and with a lot of energy. So it will be a test of character for us and enable us to determine our strength as a team," Isaac said. Freego has won two games to start off the conference with its recent victory at the expense of Boracay Rum, 58-48, on Monday. "Freego is a solid team with the Adamson core. I'm still trying to figure their strength individually. The key for us at the moment is control," Isaac said. Blackwater will play its second game in three playing dates following a 92-86 win over Café France last Tuesday. In the first game, Cebuana Lhuillier seeks for its third win against RnW Pacific Pipes at 2 p.m. The Gems are wary about RnW's morale after the Steelers defeated DUB Unlimited, 78-77, last Tuesday. "We can not look pass RnW Pacific Pipes. We played them in a pre-season game and we beat them by only two points. I expect them to run changing defense to get us out of our rhythm," said Cebuana coach Luigi Trillo. — JVP, GMA News