Cebuana Lhuillier takes on DUB Unlimited Wheelers at 2 p.m. and Big Chill battles RnW Pacific Pipes Steelers at 4 o’clock.

After a victory over Cobra Energy Drink on Thursday, Cebuana Lhuillier coach Luigi Trillo expects to have their hands full against the Wheelers.

Although DUB Unlimited is a new squad, Trillo said the roster that includes collegiate standouts Jeric Teng and a mixture of veterans composed of ex-pro Riego Gamalinda, Roel Hugnatan and Raymund Aguilar will be a tough matchup for them.

“I think that was first game jitters,” observed Trillo of DUB Unlimited’s 62-78 loss against Blackwater in its debut last week. “I expect them to come out stronger than their game against Blackwater. That loss does not reflect how good a lineup they have.”

The Gems struggled offensively against Cobra Enegy Drink but won the game on defense. Against a team that plays tough and physical, Trillo said their defense will be tested.

A second-straight win by Cebuana Lhuillier and Big Chill will enable them to pull abreast with early leader Blackwater (2-0).

Big Chill sputtered in the closing minutes of their opening game against Cobra Energy Drink (0-2) last week but managed to hold off the Iron Men, 82-76.

Big Chill coach Arsenio Dysangco agreed it wasn’t a pretty win but stressed the outcome lifted their confidence going into their game against RnW Pacific Pipes.

With a relatively new lineup, RnW Pacific Pipes coach Topex Robinson said he expects his chargers to struggle in their debut.

“Big Chill is a strong team with an intact lineup. We have a new core so we are still adjusting to our new system,” Robinson said.

(Dave Coros)