Scorpions, Revellers seek semis

MANILA, Philippines — Centro Escolar University and Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian try to make full use of their incentives as they gun for the last two semifinal berths against Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum and Gamboa Coffee Mix-St. Clare, respectively, today in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Without injured Rod Ebondo (lower back) for the second straight game, the Scorpions dropped an 87-89 loss to also-ran Batangas-Emilio Aguinaldo College last Monday, missed the top seeding and settled for the No. 3 spot and a face-off with the sixth-ranked Jawbreakers.

Gametime is at 4 p.m. with the twice-to-beat CEU confident of repeating over the team it thwarted, 91-85, in the elims.

The Revellers are also looking to score a repeat of their 79-73 victory over the Coffee Lovers in the qualifiers in their side of the quarterfinal duel at 2 p.m. with the former also enjoying a twice-to-beat edge after finishing fourth in the elims.

Victories by CEU and Che’Lu Bar and Grills will seal a Final Four clash between the former and No. 2 Marinerong Pilipino and the latter against the top-ranked Akari-Adamson.

Meanwhile, CEU coach Yong Garcia said fielding back Ebondo is a game-time decision but the Scorpions remain confident with Orlan Wamar, Judel Fuentes and Joseph Manlangit tipped to lead their charge.

“It was really a missed opportunity for us not being able to take the number one spot. We could have at least a week rest and Rod would have time to recover,” said Garcia.

But Jawbreakers coach Topex Robinson is also upbeat of their chances on a team seeking a payback and built around CJ Perez, Mike Nzeusseu and Jaycee Marcelino.