Skippers, Scorpions seek semis

We really need to prepare for them, especially against Aaron Black.

Marinerong Pilipino and Centro Escolar University (CEU) go for semifinal seats as they battle separate foes in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-League Foundation Cup today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Skippers and the Scorpions need just one win to move to the next stage of the tournament.

Marinerong Pilipino faces AMA Online Education in the first game at 1:30 p.m. while CEU clashes with Asia’s Lashes at 3:30 p.m.

“Our focus right now is our preparation against number four (AMA Online Education) from there we’ll see what we can do for the next game.” Skippers head coach Yong Garcia said.

“Our last game against AMA was close, despite the fact that we got the win it was still close. We really need to prepare for them, especially against Aaron Black,” he added.

Black had 45 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in their 133-90 win over Hazchem and he will be a marked man in the game against Marinerong Pilipino.

“Aaron just wasn’t given a chance to play but I’ve known that kid way back. I gave him a chance, I have him freedom to play so now we’re seeing this from him.” AMA head coach Mark Herrera said.

“I told him that the team will rely on him but of course his teammates will still help him, it’s still a team effort,” he added.

The Skippers took the top spot in Group A after beating the Scorpions, 88-74, last Monday.

The loss relegated CEU to No. 2 spot and face Asia’s Lashes.