AMA, Cignal try to firm up D-League bids

MANILA, Philippines – AMA Online Education and Cignal-San Beda tangle with separate lowly rivals today, both looking for victories and boost to their respective rankings in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Snapping their two-game slump with a 69-61 victory over the Jose Rizal U-Bombers last week, the Titans gun for their fourth win against the winless Victoria Sports-MLQU side at 1 p.m.

AMA coach Mark Herrera has stressed the need for his wards to sweep their remaining games as they bid not only to clinch one of the outright semifinal slots but also the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals for Nos. 3 and 4 teams.

But with early MVP contender Jeron Teng leading the way for him, together with Juami Tiongson, Jay-R Taganas, and Gino Jumao-as, Herrera is confident of notching another win and staying within striking distance of the early leaders.

Racal continues to pace the 10-team field with a sweep of its first four games while Café France and Tanduay tote identical 3-1 cards and Cignal just right behind with a 2-1 mark.

Like AMA Online, Cignal is fancied to get past Batangas in their 11 a.m. faceoff with the Hawkeyes out to force a three-team tie at second.

Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez wants to see more maturity from his wards, who are coming off an 11-day break.

“We know that we’re facing experienced teams and experienced players here so what we want is for the boys to learn from that and be mature as we go along,” he said.

The Batangueños, with only a win to show in four starts, are hoping to make a run to the top six.