REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and surprise contender Centro Escolar University go for the jugular against Go Torakku-St. Clare and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda, respectively, in Game 2 of the semifinals in the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The unbeaten Green Archers are heavily favored anew against the Saints in their 7:30 p.m. showdown, while another fiery duel looms between the Scorpions and the Red Lions in their 4:30 p.m. encounter.
La Salle and CEU took the opener of their respective best-of-three semifinal series. A repeat in Game 2 would set up the two teams for a best-of-three titular showdown starting on Thursday at the same venue.
The top-seeded Green Archers, also the reigning UAAP champs, trounced the Saints, 85-65 in the opener to stay unbeaten in six games and move closer to their third straight finals appearance.
“It brings us closer to where we want to, but the series is not over. Again, we have to respect St. Clare as a team and it will be the same respect in Game 2,” said La Salle assistant Gian Nazario, who anticipates the return of Jonnel Policarpio (stomach flu) and EJ Gollena (hamstring) after missing Game 1.
In the other series, CEU’s dream of making it all the way to the finals looks achievable.
The back-to-back UCAL champions seemed to have the number of the Red Lions. They won, 72-63, in the classifications phase then escaped with a 75-71 decision in the semifinal opener.
“We just have to keep ourselves grounded. Our job’s not yet over. We still have to win one more game,” said coach Jeff Perlas.
“We just have to keep on believing that we belong here, that’s first. And at the same time, they have to bring that David inside them. We need one more inspiring win before looking ahead.”
Games Tuesday
(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig)
4:30 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda vs CEU
7:30 p.m. – EcoOil-La Salle vs Go Torakku-St. Clare