Centro Escolar University (CEU) will be aiming for the last playoff berth up for grabs in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup when the Scorpions battle the Racal Motors Alibaba at the close of the eliminations round today at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
With a 5-4 record, the Scorpions are well aware of the danger that awaits them in their 3 p.m. encounter against the Alibaba, who are a disappointment this conference.
CEU Coach Yong Garcia is keeping his troops off the pressure—never mind if their case is a matter of life and death.
“The team has been preparing and training hard for the game. They know it’s a do-or-die game for us. I think they have enough pressure to work on,” Garcia said.
A sixth win by the Scorpions will cement their place in the quarterfinals with a chance to earn themselves a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round depending on the outcome of the 5 o’clock match between top-seed Flying V (9-0) and Team Batangas (6-3).
A loss would tie CEU with idle Marinerong Pilipino and Wang’s Basketball for fifth and sixth spots, respectively. The scenario would leave the Scorpions out in the cold due to inferior quotient.
Batangas, meanwhile, tries to wrap up its elimination campaign with a feel-good victory against leader and still un beaten Flying V.
“We’ll give it our all. Who knows we might catch Flying V on its off night,” Batangas Coach Eric Gonzales offered.
The loss of Joseph Sedurifa, who was signed up by Meralco, left a big hole in Batangas’ offensive arsenal but Gonzales hopes that Robby Celiz, formerly of Zark’s Burgers, could fill the void.
Beating Flying V is easier said than done. The Thunder goes for a sweep of the elimination to only become the fourth team to achieve the feat.
Flying V has put a lock on the No. 1 seed and gained outright passage in the semifinals.