REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran dispute the second outright semifinals berth in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The two teams go for the all-important victory at the close of the eliminations at 4p.m
Letran earned a shot at the coveted seat by pulling a stunner against University of Perpetual Help System-Delta on Tuesday.
La Salle has one foot in the semis with its 4-1 record but Letran (3-2) could foil the defending champs' bid for a direct passage into the Final Four with another victory.
In the event the Knights and the Archers finished the elims with a tied record, Letran will advance and join semifinalist in waiting Marinerong Pilipino on the strength of the winner over the other rule,
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Notwithstanding, La Salle will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
"We want to focus on just getting better. It's a building block on where we want to be. Gusto lang namin ay mag-improve as we go along," said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.
"We're not concerned with the standings at this point."
For his part, Letran coach Rensy Bajar encourages his wards to grab the opportunity.
"Kahit paano, tsansa namin ito para sa No. 2. May pag-asa pa. We have to (capitalize) on this opportunity," Bajar declared.
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Perpetual U, Centro Escolar University and PSP Gymers have been relegated in the quarterfinals but which two teams get the luxury of the twice-to-beat advantage depends on the result of the La Salle-Letran game. (JBU)
