Apex-San Sebastian, Builders Warehouse-UST battle for 1st D-League win

The Golden Stags are eyeing payback against the Growling Tigers who are also looking to bounce back. PBA Images (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Apex Fuel-San Sebastian and Builders Warehouse-UST gun for their first win in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup at each other's expense Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Golden Stags are fresh off a tough 86-74 loss to Marinerong Pilipino last week, but despite the defeat drew solid performances from the likes of Ichie Altamirano and Raymart Escobido.

"Maganda ito para sa mga bata kasi nakaka-gain sila ng experience na kailangang kailangan namin, so hopefully natuto sila lalo na isa sa mga team-to-beat yung nakalaban namin," said coach Egay Macaraya.

Tip-off is at 12:30 p.m., following the 10:30 a.m. clash between Adalem Construction-St. Clare (1-1), which is shooting for back-to-back wins, and winless AMA Online (0-2).

On the other hand, the Growling Tigers are just desperate for silver linings after tasting a 112-81 defeat at the hands of EcoOil-La Salle.

Veteran Sherwin Concepcion and young guns Nic Cabanero and Kean Baclaan flashed their potential in the game, but Builders Warehouse-UST would need more help from the others if it wants to make some noise in the developmental ranks.

"Alam namin na kulang kami sa tao, pero meron naman kaming nakita na possibilities na makakabawi kami," said interim Growling Tigers coach Albert Alocillo.

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