Jawbreakers, Scorpions clash for last F4 seat

MANILA, Philippines — Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum has the momentum but Centro Escolar U is out for a payback as they clash for the last semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig today.

The No. 6 Jawbreakers stopped the third ranked Scorpions, 104-95, last Tuesday to force a sudden death in their quarterfinals duel but the latter vowed to regroup and get back at the former in their 3 p.m. encounter.

Jawbreakers coach Topex Robinson said they are more than ready for the Scorpions comeback.

“In a do-or-die game, there’s no such thing as advantage. We know they are going to come back fighting. We are just going to come prepared,” said Robinson. 

CEU, meanwhile, has stressed the need for a strong start as the Scorpions aim to join the Akari-Adamson Falcons, the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers and the Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian Revellers in the Final Four.

“We relaxed at the start. We need to play 40 minutes of CEU basketball. I told them to forget about this game, look at our lapses, go back to work, and bounce back on Thursday,” said Garcia.

CJ Perez, whose 11-point splurge in the fourth quarter helped anchor the Jawbreakers’ victory, is expected to lead his side anew along with Mike Nzeusseu and Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino.

Scorpions ace Rod Ebondo erupted for 32 points and 25 rebounds in his return after a two-game absence due to a nagging back injury.