REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda headline the six-team field in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League Asapirants’ Cup which fires off Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The other teams are Centro Escolar University, Gotorakku-St. Clare, Keanzel and CCI-Yengskivel.
Observers installed the Green Archers and Red Lions as heavy favorites but they are quick to cautioned that surprises should not be discounted.
EcoOil-La Salle is seeking a triple crown.
The Green Archers started their title campaign two years ago following the league’s return after a long absence because of the pandemic.
They claimed their first championship in two games at the expense of Marinerong Pilipino.
Led by eventual MVP Kevin Quiambao, De La Salle kept the title last year via sweep against a Marinero team powered National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) powerhouse San Beda Red Lions.
De La Salle’s D-League success extended to the University Athletic Association of the Philipines where the Green Archers snapped a seven-year title drought by ruling Season 86 at the expense of the University of the Philippines Maroons with a thrilling Game 3 for their 10th league crown.
San Beda was equally dominating and foiled Mapua in three games to win NCAA Season 99 for its 23rd title.
After a single round classification, the top two teams advance to the semifinals while the remaining four teams play a best-of-three to determine the two other semifinalists.
Quarterfinal pairings will be determined by the team’s finish in the eliminations.