by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City)
11 a.m. – Perpetual vs Valencia-SSCR
1 p.m. – Cignal-Ateneo vs Batangas-EAC
3 p.m. – CEU vs SMDC-NU
Unbeaten Centro Escolar University and Cignal-Ateneo look to secure the first quarterfinal berths in their respective groups in the PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scorpions battle the SMDC-National University Bulldogs in the final game of the tripleheader at 3 p.m. while the Blue Eagles face the Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 1 p.m.
City of Valencia-San Sebastian meets struggling University of Perpetual Help in the 11 a.m. curtain raiser.
The top four teams in each group at the end of the eliminations advance to the crossover quarters.
Senegalese center Maodo Malick Diouf, Pierce Chan, Judel Fuentes and Keanu Caballero are expected to lead CEU’s quest to not only book its place in the quarters but also improve to a Foundation Group-best 7-0.
On the other hand, Cignal-Ateneo looks to hike its record to 7-1 to tighten its grip on top spot in the Aspirants Group.
The Blue Eagles of coach Tab Baldwin are coming off a massive 106-31 rout of McDavid last April 16 at the JCSGO Gym, forcing the losing opponent to set a league record for lowest points scored in a game.
CEU’s opponent SMDC-NU is coming off a breakthrough win over CD14 Designs-Trinity last Monday, ending a 0-4 start while Batangas-EAC has a 2-5 record after a tight victory over FamilyMart-Enderun.
