La Salle Green Archers. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It will be a busy week for La Salle as it will embark on two Finals series in two different tournaments starting Wednesday.
After they face University of the Philippines in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup championship game on Wednesday at San Juan Arena, the Green Archers will go right back into action the following day for Game 1 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup against Marinerong Pilipino.
In both squads’ meeting in the PBA D-League elimination round, Marinero, which is composed mostly of San Beda cagers, defeated coach Topex Robinson’s wards in a tight ballgame, 82-79.
Robinson was quick to acknowledge the victory as he awaits the rematch in a three-game series.
“I’m not going to take away that we were shorthanded (when they beat us). But at the same time, we have to give credit to San Beda,” said Robinson in a PSA Forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.
“The respect I have for coach Yuri (Escueta) and what he was able to put in the culture of San Beda and Marinerong Pilipino speaks a lot.”
La Salle coach Topex Robinson. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Red Lion Ralph Penuela, however, brushed off his squad’s victory over the UAAP juggernauts, believing the addition of Mike Phillips is the game-changer for the other camp.
“This is why we’re coming in this finals with the mindset of an underdog because having Philips on the roster is such a huge thing, his energy and leadership that he imbibes in the team.” Penuela said.
Philips was absent in that elimination round tussle due to his services for Gilas Pilipinas in the 32nd Southeast Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“The fight would be neck-and-neck. That’s what we want to see, after all. For sure, La Salle will prepare and so will we,” Penuela added in Filipino.
The PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup finalè will take place at Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
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