EcoOil-DLSU’s Kevin Quiambao drives past CEU’s Franz Diaz during their PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup game last Thursday. PBA photo
La Salle guns for 2nd win
DEFENDING champion EcoOil-La Salle and newcomer Philippine Sports Performance shoot for their second straight win against separate foes in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup today at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Still without new coach Topex Robinson who is doing scouting duties in the United States, the Green Archers tangle with Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda in the main game at 4 p.m., following the 2 p.m. tussle between the Gymers and the debuting University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.
EcoOil-DLSU opened their title retention bid with a short work of Centro Escolar University, 84-62, but will be facing a tall order against the Red Lions as they will also miss the services of brothers Mike and Ben Phillips.
The Phillips siblings are part of the Gilas Pilipinas training pool currently in Calamba, Laguna for a closed-door, intensive training camp before the team flies to Cambodia on May 6 for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
EcoOil-DLSU, however, vowed to be ready against the odds even with a crippled crew.
“We’ll be shorthanded but we will come prepared,” said assistant coach Gian Nazario, who will continue to fill in for Robinson.
“We know that San Beda can play. Alam namin yung potential ng San Beda and we have a lot of respect for coach Yuri (Escueta) and his staff.
We’re really gonna prepare for them.”
Despite the absence of the two vital cogs, the Green Archers still have a Evan Nelle, Mark Nonoy and Kevin Quiambao, who anchored their 22-point debut win over the Scorpions.
PSP, on the other hand, wants no let-up against another established collegiate program in the Altas after the Gymers debuted with a 94-92 come-from-behind win over the Red Lions.
“Kailangan kalimutan na namin ‘yung debut namin. Kailangan handa kami vs Perpetual. Kailangan gutom kami palagi. Kumpyansa pero dapat hindi kampante,” said PSP coach John Paolo Lao, who’s getting a lift from his assistant coaches in PBA cagers CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz and Jackson Corpuz.
Skipper Val Acuña will provide the leadership for the Gymers along with Jayvee Dela Cruz, Dariel James Bayla and Ian Yutuc.
