2 matches kick off D-League Aspirants’ Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Caida Tiles clashes with Tanduay Light while UP-QRS-Jam Liner tangles with BDO-National University in a pair of explosive matchups kicking off the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup today at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.  

The Tile Masters and Rhum Masters mix it up at 2 p.m. after the simple opening rites at 1 p.m. while the Bulldogs test the newcomer UP-QRS-Jam Liner side’s mettle in the 4 p.m. main game. 

“With a lot of new faces plus the expected rivalry among school-based teams, I can say that the sixth season of the D-League is already a success,” said PBA deputy commissioner Rickie Santos.

Tanduay coach Lawrence Chongson said he has recruited a bunch of winners from the collegiate ranks to boost their campaign this season although he has raised some concern about their lack of time to prepare for their season opener.

“It took some time before I was able to form my team so we’re cramming right now. Hopefully we’ve got the right pieces to make this work,” said Chongson.

But the Rhum Masters will be up against a tall Caida Tiles squad, bannered by top rookie pick Jayson Perkins. Also in the roster are star guard Jio Jalalon, Jackson Corpuz, Dexter Maiquez, Roider Cabrera, Janus Lozada and Joseph Terso.

With eight of its players aged between 25 and 30 years old, Tanduay Rum is one of the most veteran teams in the tournament next to Wangs Basketball.

Meanwhile, action shifts to the Ynares Sport Arena in Pasig on Monday with reigning Foundation Cup champion Cafe France taking on newcomer Mindanao Aguilas at 2 p.m., while Wang’s Basketball collides with Phoenix Petroleum-FEU at 4 p.m.

AMA University, under coach Mark Herrera,  makes its debut in the tournament against Caida Tiles at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, also at the Pasig arena.    

The top eight teams after the single round robin elims will advance to the quarterfinals.