Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda takes a shot at the first semifinals berth when it battles Centro Escolar University in the 2023 Philippine Basketball Association D-League Aspirants' Cup on Tuesday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda and EcoOil-La Salle are tied for first place at 4-1 but the Red Lions could advance to the Final Four by winning its last elimination game against the Scorpions at 2 p.m.

"Finishing in the Top 2 would be nice but as much as possible, we want to take it one game at a time. We want to improve every game," San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said.

CEU is tied with University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta 3-2 records.

The two teams have secured their places in the quarterfinals although they could complicate the battle for an outright semifinals berth with victories over their respective opponents.

Perpetual takes on Wangs Basketball@27 Striker-Letran (2-2) at 4 p.m.

Momentum should be on the side of the Scorpions, who are coming off a 109-107 double overtime win over PSP last Thursday.

The Red Lions are well rested as they have not played in 11 days.

"It's all about our desire. If we want to reach the summit, we have to climb it," CEU coach Jeff Perlas said.