DEFENDING champion EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University banner the six-team field in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup kicking off this Thursday, March 14, at The Arena in San Juan.
Also seeing action in the tournament are Centro Escolar University, Gotorakku-St. Clare, Keanzel, and CCI-Yengskivel.
Armchair pundits have picked the Green Archers and the Red Lions as favorites.
Nevertheless, they are quick to caution that surprises should not be discounted.
EcoOil-La Salle is seeking a triple crown.
The Green Archers started their successful title campaign two years ago following the league’s return after a long absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
They claimed their first crown at the expense of Marinerong Pilipino, beating the Skippers in a best-of-three series.
Led by eventual MVP Kevin Quiambao, La Salle kept the diadem last year via a sweep against a Marinero team powered by NCAA powerhouse San Beda.
La Salle’s D-League success extended to the UAAP as the Green Archers snapped a seven-year title drought by ruling the last cage wars at the expense of University of the Philippines Maroons in a thrilling Game 3 in the finals for their 10th overall tiara.
San Beda was equally dominating, frustrating Mapua in three matches to win the 98th NCAA basketball tournament and annex its 23rd title.
After a single-round elimination, the top two teams will advance to the semifinals while the remaining four teams play a best-of-three to determine the two other semifinalists.
Quarterfinal pairings will be determined by the team’s finish in the elims.