Game today:
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
12 p.m. — Marinerong Pilipino vs EcoOil-La Salle
Marinerong Pilipino and EcoOil-La Salle go at it one last time as they dispute the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants’ Cup crown in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 12 p.m. with both the Skippers and the Green Archers expected to throw everything including for the right to claim the throne.
EcoOil-La Salle forced this winner-take-all affair after a 70-63 Game 2 win last week, and coach Derick Pumaren wants his players to finish the job after a 72-67 Game 1 hiccup last 21 August.
“We know what’s at stake. We can’t play tentative again because that’s not who we are. We’ve got to be better,” he said.
Michael Phillips imposed his will down low for the Green Archers in that game which tied the best-of-three series to a one-all, and is expected to remain at his best while also gaining contributions from the likes of Kevin Quiambao and Schonny Winston.
But Marinerong Pilipino is just as driven.
Failing to close the series out last week, coach Yong Garcia has implored the Skippers to set everything aside in their quest for glory.
“We have learned from our mistakes and we really have to start strong,” said Garcia, who will bank on the duo of Most Valuable Player Juan Gomez de Liaño and veteran Jollo Go in the hopes of finally getting the job done.