MARINERONG Pilipino coach Yong Garcia believes in second chances.
Although the Skippers squandered the opportunity to reach the Promised Land in the second game seven days ago, Garcia is convinced his wards still have what it takes.
“Natuto na kami sa mga pagkakamali namin at importante sa amin iyong good start,” Garcia said. “Tiwala pa rin naman ako sa players ko.”
EcoOil-La Salle counterpart Derrick Pumaren is expecting their fancied foes to bring their A-Game.
“It’s winner-take-all. We’re expecting Marinero to be ready and to bounce back. They’re probably full of energy. Both teams know the pressure and what’s at stake. We have to be ready and like what I told the boys I don’t need a Superman out there. I just need you to do what you have to do,” Pumaren said.
The Skippers and the Green Archers go at it again today in the deciding Game 3 of their best-of-3 finals duel for the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup title at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The match is set at noon, with the winner bagging the season-opening tourney’s crown and its maiden diadem in the developmental league.
Marinerong Pilipino turned back EcoOil-La Salle 72-67 in the series opener last Aug. 21 before the Archers got back 70-63 in Game 2 last Wednesday to forge the no-tomorrow tiff.
The Skippers are expected to lean on conference MVP Juan Gomez de Liaño, shooter Jollo Go, Warren Bonifacio, Rence Nocum, and Arvin Gamboa.
Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, Michael Phillips, Evan Nelle, and Schonny Winston will be counted upon by the Taft-based cagers.
Pumaren called the shots for the Centro Escolar University squad that bowed to Cignal HD-Ateneo in the finals of the same meet three years ago.
Marinerong Pilipino, with Garcia at the helm, reached the finals of the same tilt but lost to BRT Sumisip Basilan-St. Clare in the Foundation Cup in 2019.
