CEU seeks third win in D-League

MANILA, Philippines — Surging Centro Escolar U eyes to shore up its drive for an outright semifinals slot while Wangs Basketball @27 Striker-Letran aims to get a good run going in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Scorpions (2-1), on a two-game streak, clash against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (2-2) at 4 p.m. for a chance to tie idle and reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle at the second spot.

At 2 p.m., Letran (1-2) seeks its second straight triumph to boost its playoff hopes while sporting a chance to boot out winless AMA Online (0-4) from contention.

The Scorpions, who bowed to EcoOil-La Salle in the opener, drubbed AMA Online and Letran for solo third place. But against the Altas, they brace for a gritty challenge.

“Marami pa kaming lapses so we have to continue getting better. We need games facing UAAP and NCAA teams. Now, it’s Perpetual so it’s a welcome opportunity for us to step up anew. Pagbubutihan pa namin,” said coach Jeff Perlas.

Coach Rensy Bajar, for his part, wants steady progress from his charges in a transition period after his appointment as head coach of three-time NCAA champion Letran in lieu of Bonnie Tan.

“Napakalayo pa namin as a team. This is a brand new team. Marami kaming rookies so ito ‘yung process para mabuo kami, mabuo ‘yung chemistry namin,” said Bajar.