It's hard to imagine how a depleted Centro Escolar University crew could pull off a stunner against Cignal-Ateneo in the 2019 PBA D-League championship series.
The two teams clash again in Game Two of the best of five series on Tuesday with the Blue Eagles heavily favored to once again dominate their undermanned rivals.
Game time is 4 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Game One was a mismatch with the Blue Eagles easily dispatching the Scorpions, 101-66, in possibly the most lopsided Finals game in PBA D-League history last Thursday.
Isaac Go led the assault with 17 points, including 4-of-6 shooting from threes. As a team, Cignal-Ateneo went 16-of-38 from downtown in Game 1.
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But for all their dominance, the Blue Eagles refused to be carried away.
"We could not take them for granted because they're in the Finals for a reason. We just wanted to make sure that we don't get complacent," said deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
CEU coach Derrick Pumaren admits that his troops are intimidated by their fancied foe but encourages them to believe in their ability.
"We just have to believe that we can compete with them. We have to show that heart and fight," he said.
Pumaren is counting on Maodo Malick Diouf, Rich Guinitaran and Dave Bernabe to carry the fight for the Scorpions.
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