LONGTIME collegiate rivals Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda and Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran go at it once more in a sudden death Game 3 of the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Game time is at 3 p.m. with the Red Lions and the Knights disputing the last finals seat on the line that will send the winner to a title duel against reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle . The best-of-three finale will be next week.
The two archrivals split their first two battles, with San Beda forcing the deciding match with a 74-51 win in Game 2 Tuesday.
“I’m sure, coach Rensy (Bajar) will adjust. It’ a do-or-die Game 3. They’ll be ready and we have to be ready for it. We have to show much more effort than Letran,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta.
Behind a balanced attack led by Peter Alfaro and Jacob Cortez, San Beda practically dominated Game 2 to more than atone for its disappointing meltdown in the series opener .
The Red Lions blew an early 24-point lead in Game 1 and went on to surrender the match to the Knights, 93-87, in overtime.
The Red Lions, the elims topnotcher, are not expecting Game 3 to be a walk in the park. Instead they are prepared for a tough grind against the three-time reigning NCAA champion Knights.
“It’s a test of character for us. We know we can bounce back as long as we play within our system. It will be an exciting game,” said neophyte mentor Bajar, who’s counting on top gun Kurt Reyson to regain his bearing after managing just eight points in Game 2.
“Hindi namin napantayan ‘yung energy nila sa Game 2. Hopefully, we can do some adjustment, especially on defense.”
Game Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena)
3 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda vs Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran