Cignal guns for share of second against Blu; JRU, Victoria try to end slump

PBA (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Cignal-San Beda gets a chance to make a play for the top two spot on Thursday when it battles Blu Detergent in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Coming off a 95-68 victory over Batangas last Monday, the Hawkeyes want to rectify their miscues before facing off against stronger contenders, and what a time for them to do so against the winless Dragons.

"I told the boys that every time they get a chance to play, they have to step up. But we don't have to underestimate Blu, but rather, I would have to make my team ready," Coach Boyet Fernandez said.

Fernandez has drew great showing from his San Beda core in these past three games, while also getting key contributions from Jason Perkins and Byron Villarias to help his squad rise to a 3-1 slate.

Cignal stakes its three-game winning streak against the Malaysian side at 1 p.m., following the duel between Jose Rizal University and Victoria Sports-MLQU at 11 a.m.

The Heavy Bombers are motivated to bounce back following their last two defeats, and Coach Vergel Meneses is hell-bent on righting the ship anew after the team's 75-57 humiliation at the hands of Cafe France last Thursday.

It's a must-win for JRU as it eyes to force itself in the top six midway through the conference.

However, the pesky Victoria Sports crew has been hungry all conference long, and there's nothing Coach Jino Manansala wants more but to end the slide and finally nab his team's first victory this conference.

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