Marinerong Pilipino and EcoOil-La Salle go at it for one final time as they dispute the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup crown in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 12 noon, with both the Skippers and the Green Archers expected throw everything including the kitchen sink for the right to claim the throne.
EcoOil-La Salle forced this winner-take-all affair after a 70-63 Game 2 win last week, and coach Derick Pumaren wants his players to finish the job after a 72-67 Game 1 hiccup last Aug. 21.
“We know what’s at stake. We can’t play tentative again because that’s not who we are. We’ve got to be better,” he said.
Michael Phillips imposed his will down low for the Green Archers in that game which tied the best-of-three series to a one-all deadlock, and is expected to remain at his best while also gaining contributions from the likes of Kevin Quiambao and Schonny Winston.
But Marinerong Pilipino is just as driven.
Failing to close the series out last week, coach Yong Garcia has implored the Skippers to set everything aside in their quest for glory.
“Natuto na kami sa mga pagkakamali namin at importante sa amin ‘yung good start. Tiwala pa rin naman ako sa players ko,” he said, as he’ll once again lean on the duo of MVP Juan Gomez de Liano and veteran Jollo Go in hopes of finally getting the job done.
Game 3 of Best-of-3 Finals
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
12 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino vs EcoOil-La Salle