CARRYING the banner of EcoOil anew, defending champion La Salle wants nothing but a third straight title in the developmental tilt–and a back-to-back in the UAAP.
“This is the first major tournament for us after winning the championship in the UAAP,” Green Archers assistant coach Caloy Garcia said. “This is gonna be something new to us.”
After kicking off its drive on a rousing note, EcoOil-La Salle seeks its second victory in a row when it takes on Go Torakku-St. Clare today in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The game is set at 7:30 p.m. after the curtain-raiser pitting Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University at 4:30.
Boosted by emphatic triumphs in their opening games, the Archers and Red Lions seek a quick follow-up to keep their share of the early lead in the six-team field.
La Salle and San Beda practically had a walk in the park in their debut last Thursday, scoring runaway 110-68 and 92-59 wins against CCI-Yengskivel and Go Torakku-St. Clare, respectively.
“Keanzel is also a newcomer so wala ulit kaming idea but again, like last game, we will treat our opponent with respect. Ganoon naman ang mindset namin every game,” Lions strategist Yuri Escueta said.
Ditto with Garcia, who maintained they can’t look past their foes.
“Last year, we had a tough time against St. Clare and it’s a different tournament this time.
I know they’re capable of pulling off an upset,” he said.
“They have a great import and a great coach (Jinino Manansala). Probably, naunahan lang sila ng San Beda but we know how dangerous St. Clare is. We have to prepare.”
