Games today (Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. – Philippine Sports Performance vs Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda
4 p.m. – Centro Escolar University vs EcoOil-La Salle
EcoOil-La Salle begins its title defense against Centro Escolar U while new-look Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda takes on newcomer Philippine Sports Performance in a pair of interesting duel Thursday that marks the start of the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Green Archers, under new coach Topex Robinson, want no less than a triumphant debut in the 4 p.m. encounter against an equally formidable Scorpions following the 2 p.m. clash between the Red Lions and the Gymers.
Interestingly, La Salle takes the court without Robinson, who will be travelling to the States to attend to some important matters. His deputy, Gian Nazario, will take his place in his absence.
“I will not be around for our game against CEU but we will always compete,” said Robinson, who steered Zark’s Burger-Lyceum to the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup title.
Robinson will have an intact core at his disposal led by Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy. Also in the team are Gilas Pilipinas training pool members Kevin Quiambao, and brothers Mike and Ben Phillips, who anchored La Salle’s D-League championship last season under former mentor Derrick Pumaren.
CEU, on the other hand, is also motivated in its bid to keep its winning streak following its a historic feat in the UCBL that saw it claiming the league’s first-ever championship sweep at 14-0.
Jeff Perlas, the former deputy of Robinson at Lyceum, is now at helm for CEU with Jerome Santos and Franz Ray Diaz leading the way.