Second-running University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle collide at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Altas are determined to bounce back from a disappointing 66-64 loss against Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda last Thursday for their first loss in the tournament.
Meanwhile, EcoOil-La Salle is aiming for a second straight win since its 108-67 rout of PSP Gymers last May 4.
The matchup promises to be close and physical. The winner joins idle San Beda (3-1) atop the team standings.
In the first game, Centro Escolar U (1-1) looks to make it two in a row when it battles Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers—Letran (0-1) and at 2 p.m.
The return of head coach Topex Robinson after a two-week scouting trip in the United States should motivate the Green Archers.
Reportedly though, Robinson will attend the game only as an observer and have relegated the coaching chores to deputy Gian Nazario until the remainder of their D-League campaign.
“The reason why we joined the D-League is for experience. We’re gonna win some, we’re gonna lose some but we always move forward,” said Nazario.
The Green Archers will be without brothers Mike and Ben Phillips, who are currently serving the national team. But Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, Joshua David and Francis Escandor back now that the UAAP 3×3 championship is over.
“Mas mabigat na itong mga next games namin. Kaya kailangan mas handa kami,” said Altas mentor Myk Saguiguit after absorbing their first defeat in three games against Marinero-San Beda.
Coaches Rensy Bajar of Letran and Jeff Perlas of CEU also claimed their respectives teams are focused on winning
“Our mindset moving forward is to play solid defense against CEU. We will continue what we have started these past three years which is defense. As early as now, we’re building a one-team winners’ mindset,” said Bajar, who took over from Bonnie Tan this offseason.
Games Tuesday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
2 p.m. – CEU vs Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran
4 p.m. Perpetual vs EcoOil-La Salle