A vengeful Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda are aching to even up things against Centro Escolar University when they clash in Game 1 of the 2024 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup semifinals on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Scorpions stunned the Red Lions 72-63 in the classification phase, largely the reason why they earn outright spot in the Final Four as No. 2 seed.
And they hope to cash in on that psychological edge to repeat against the Red Lions in their 7:30 p.m. encounter.
The long rest should also be a welcome development for CEU in its rematch with San Beda, which needed to work hard in the second half to subdue Keanzel Basketball, 127-67, in the quarterfinals.
"Hopefully, magpick-up pa yung steam namin. Basta gawin lang namin 'yung kailangan naming gawin," said CEU mentor Jeff Perlas.
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The Red Lions, parading a young and retooled lineup following the departure of ace guard Jacob Cortez to La Salle, are determined to prove their worth as title contender.
One huge hurdle for San Beda is Abdul-Wahab Olusesi, the anchor of the Scorpions' stellar run in the classification round.
"May import ang CEU at mas experienced sila. They're a tough and well-coached team. They've won championships so we have to play better. Kailangan naming ma-balanse at ma-equalize 'yung production ng import nila with our bigs," said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta. (JBU)
