Cignal-Ateneo goes for the jugular, clashing with Centro Escolar University Tuesday in Game 4 of the PBA D-League Finals at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Blue Eagles reestablished their dominance with a 67-52 Game 3 victory on Thursday to take the hill in the best-of-five championship series, calming the tides after a shocking 77-74 Game 2 defeat exactly a week ago.
But coach Sandy Arespacochaga knows that it’s still a process, and Cignal-Ateneo must stay in the present to win it all.
“We have to play each game and be present for each game. We can’t look past every game and we have to make sure we do our jobs,” Arespacochaga, a former Ateneo standout in high school and college, said.
Conference MVP Isaac Go returned in Game 3 and was a stablizing presence for the Eagles. He was under the weather and sat out Game 2.
Add to that the monstrous presence of Ivorian center Ange Kouame, the versatility of Thirdy Ravena, and the overall prowess of the Cignal-Ateneo bench and most experts predict a coronation after the 4 p.m. contest.
Ateneo is gearing up for its defense of the UAAP title, which the Eagles are also favored to do especially with Tab Baldwin handling them come the tournament.
For CEU, however, there’s nothing to lose for the boys of coach Derrick Pumaren, with the veteran bench tactician already proud of what his side has accomplished in reaching the championship.
“Like what I said before, these boys are already champions in my eyes. Whatever happens, we’re just going to go out and try to give a hell of a fight to Ateneo,” Pumaren said.
Senegalese slotman Maodo Malick Diouf will banner the Scorpions’ attempt in extending the series to a decider, with Rich Guinitaran, Jerome Santos, and Franz Diaz providing support.