Caida Tiles, Phoenix eye semis spots

CAIDA Tiles and Phoenix-Far Eastern U look for another smooth run as they shoot for semifinal berths against separate opponents in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today.

The Tile Masters, the No. 2 seed armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, try to finish off AMA University in their quarterfinal match at 2 p.m. at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

“We’ve been running well as a team,” said Caida coach Caloy Garcia. “We just have to work on our defense, because on offense, we’re good.”

The Accelerators, who ranked third to likewise gain a twice-to-beat edge, also hope to boot out BDO-National University at 4 p.m.

Top-seeded Cafe France clinched the first Final Four slot after ousting Wangs on Thursday.

Tanduay Rhum, though, forged a do-or-die contest with University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner.

And it’s that situation the Tile Masters hope to avoid even if they have two chances of advancing to the next round.

“We can’t afford to lose and give our opponents more confidence,” said Garcia.

After closing out the eliminations with five successive wins for a 7-1 card, the Tile Masters aim to sustain their form with Jiovani Jalalon, Jason Perkins and Philip Paniamogan at the helm.

The Accelerators, who wrapped up the eliminations with a 6-2 slate, also try to lean on the consistent strong performances of MVP candidates Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo.