MARINERONG Pilipino-San Beda looks to clinch an outright semifinal berth in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup when it duels with Centro Escolar University on Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Red Lions are unbeaten in the three games and another win would tie it with idle EcoOil-La Salle Green Archers at first place and secure for both teams their places in the Top Two.
But CEU (2-1) could provide an interesting twist in the tug-of-war for an outright semifinal berth should it beat Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the 7:30 p.m. encounter.
A shock win by the Scorpions will not only tie it with the Red Lions but also keep them in the race for an outright spot in the Final Four.
Meanwhile, CCI-Yengskivel (1-2) and Go Torakku-St. Clare (0-3) seek an all-important win when they clash at 4:30 p.m.
A second win by CCI-Yengskivel will give the team a twice to beat advantage in the quarterfinals but a victory by Go Torakku-St. Clare would keep it in contention for a coveted spot in the quarters.
No team will be eliminated after the single-round eliminations. The top two teams will clinch automatic berths in the semis while the third and fourth teams will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
“We have to do better than our last game. We expect the games to be tougher and we can’t take any team for granted. Our goal is to make the Top 2 and we expect a tough game against CEU to achieve that goal,” said Red Lions mentor Yuri Escueta.
“Underdog mentality talaga kami coming into this league. It’s a much tougher competition, especially with the presence of UAAP and NCAA champions. We’ll be ready,” assured CEU mentor Jeff Perlas.
Games on Tuesday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
4:30 p.m. – Go Torakku-St. Clare vs CCI-Yengskivel 7:30 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda vs CEU