Hawkeyes Aim for fourth straight win vs Malaysians

Cignal-San Beda shoots for a fourth straight victory when it squares off with Blustar Detergent, even as Jose Rizal U tries to get back on track on Thursday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

A victory by the Hawkeyes in the 1 p.m. duel with the winless Malaysians will allow them to tie Cafe France at second spot with a 4-1 record.

The Heavy Bombers, who opened the tournament with back-to-back victories, seek to snap a two-game slide against Victoria Sports-MLQU at 11 a.m.

JRU coach Vergel Meneses said the Bombers, who are using the tournament to toughen up for the NCAA late this year, are still trying to adjust to the style of play in the tournament.

But the Bombers have little room for error against Victoria Sports as another defeat can make the path to the Top 6 tougher for Meneses’ charges.

JRU will be looking to bounce back from a 75-57 defeat to Cafe France last Thursday.

Despite its 0-4 start in the tournament, Victoria Sports coach Jino Manansala sees plenty of encouraging signs from his players, who battled hard for three periods before fading against a star-studded AMA squad, 80-88.

Coming off a 95-68 victory over Batangas last Monday, the Hawkeyes hope to toughen up before facing some of the league’s top teams in the homestretch of the elimination round.

“I told the boys that every time they get a chance to play, they have to step up,” said Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez. “But we don’t have to underestimate Blustar, but rather, I would have to make my team ready (for big games).”

While his core of San Beda players like Davon Potts have sparkled, Fernandez has also drawn solid games from La Salle standout Jason Perkins and veteran Byron Villarias.