Games Thursday (Meralco gym, Pasig City)

12 noon — PC Gilmore vs Blackwater

2 p.m. — RnW Pacific Pipes vs NLEXappearance

MANILA, Philippines — North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) tries to inch closer to gaining the last outright semifinal berth as it plays upset-minded RnW Pacific Pipes Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Meralco gym in Pasig City.

The Road Warriors (6-1) shoot for their sixth straight victory in their 2 p.m. encounter with the dangerous Steelmasters (4-3).

Blackwater (3-3) and streaking PC Gilmore (3-5) resume their quest for a quarters seat in the 12 noon curtain-raiser.

Bannered by Chris Ellis and Calvin Abueva, NLEX kept its sharp form on Tuesday when it blasted Boracay Rum, 77-54 to continue their improved play after a flat start.

“I think our last two games is an indication of how we play as a team,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez, who also mentioned his team's victory over Freego before the Christmas break.

“Everyone has accepted their role, even though they don't start and they are star players for their college teams,” Fernandez added.

Fernandez, who will also lean on RR Garcia, Garvo Lanete, Emman Monfort, Dave Marcelo, Ian Sangalang and Cliff Hodge, expects a tough clash with the JR Buensuceso-led Pacific Pipes crew.

Providing Buensuceso the needed reinforcements are Anthony del Rio, Jovit dela Cruz, Raymund Ilagan and Jordan Sanvictores in their first game minus ex-pro Jim Viray.