by Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today (Pasig Sports Center)
11 a.m. – AMA vs Akari-Adamson
1 p.m. – CEU vs JRU
Centro Escolar University takes on slumping Jose Rizal University today at the Pasig City Sports Center, with the Scorpions favored to firm up their grip of the top spot in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
The Scorpions, considered by many as one of the top title favorites, will come in with ample confidence in their 1 p.m. encounter with the Heavy Bombers since they are fresh from an impressive 76-57 win over Akari-Adamson Falcons last week.
Congolese center Rod Ebondo, coming off a dominant 25-point, 18-rebound performance the last time out, is expected to lead CEU’s charge alongside vital cogs JJ Manlangit, Mark Neil Cruz and Orlan Wamar.
JRU, losers of its last five matches, is aching to stop its bleeding and keep its playoff hopes alive behind the likes of former pro Jeckster Apinan, guards Paolo Pontejos, MJ Dela Virgen and 6-foot-8 Cameroon center Michael Mvogo.
Clashing in the opener at 11 a.m. are Akari-Adamson and AMA Online Education, both looking get back on track.
The Falcons, currently in a three-way tie at second spot with a 4-2 mark, are determined to bounce back from a numbing defeat while the well-rested Titans, running at 10th with a woeful 1-4 card, are determined to recover from a 109-93 setback dealt by Marinerong Pilipino Skippers last Feb. 19.
Cameroon big man Papi Sarr, who failed to suit up against CEU due to his missing jersey, should be ready to provide the needed inside presence for Akari-Adamson, which was manhandled by the 6-foot-7 Ebondo down low.