After Flying V’s semifinal scare, coach Eric Altamirano knows his Thunder need to do a lot more to advance to the title round with a perfect record.
Stopping Centro Escolar University’s big men tops his list as the Thunder go for a sweep of the Scorpions in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals at 5 p.m.
Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“We need to do a better job controlling the rebounds and blocking out their bigs,” said Altamirano after the Thunder’s narrow win over the Scorpions, 65-61, in Game 1.
Cignal HD also aims for a Finals slot versus Marinerong Pilipino in the other best-of-three duel at 3 p.m.
The Hawkeyes drubbed the Skippers, 86-67, in Game 1, but Cignal coach Boyet Fernandez noted their foe’s resiliency.
“Marinero is always there in the game even though they were down by so many points,” said Fernandez. “It will be tough again facing them.”
Although Flying V and Cignal remain favored to arrange a title showdown, their opponents think they have a strong shot at forging an upset.
“In basketball, nothing is impossible,” said Congolese center Rod Ebondo, the Scorpions’ main man. “We just have to deal with it and focus on the next game.” —JASMINE W. PAYO