Games today (The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m. – UP QRS/Jam vs Mindanao
4 p.m. – Caida vs Phoenix – FEU
Phoenix will look to keep a hold of the share of leadership in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup as it takes on Caida in another clash of heavyweights today at The Arena in San Juan.
The Accelerators hope to keep their perpetual record as they target their fourth win in as many games to tie the idle CafeFrance Bakers at the top of the standings.
But coach Eric Gonzales is quick to warn his wards against complacency especially against the Tile Masters who are composed of veterans in the D-League.
“Mabigat na kalaban yung Caida. Lahat sila player, hopefully we can give them a fight,” said Gonzales.
While Phoenix will be fighting to stay in the leadership of the tournament, Caida on the other hand will look to avoid its second straight defeat after a humiliating 90-87 defeat to the Bakers last week where they lost a 24 point second quarter lead.
Despite the loss, head coach Caloy Garcia remains optimistic but hopes that the loss to the champions will serve as a lesson for him and his squad.
“I told them that we faced a champion team in CafeFrance and we have to learn from that experience,” said Garcia. “Our target is to make it to the top four and the twice to beat advantage. We just have to learn to play together.”
Meanwhile, UP QRS/Jam Liner hopes to rebound after consecutive losses as it takes on the winless Mindanao in the curtain raiser of the twin bill.