REIGNING champion EcoOil-La Salle and Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda headline the six-team field cast in the 2024 PBA D League Asapirants' Cup which fires off on March 14 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Also entered in the tournament are Centro Escolar U, Gotorakku-St. Clare, Keanzel, and CCI-Yengskivel.
This early observers have installed the Green Archers and the Red Lions as heavy favorites.
Nevertheless, they are quick to cautioned that surprises should not be discounted.
EcoOil-La Salle is seeking a triple crown.
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The Green Archers started its successful title campaign two years ago following the league's return after a long absence due to the Covid pandemic.
They claimed their first championship at the expense of Marinerong Pilipino, beating the skippers in a best-of-three series.
Led by eventual MVP Kevin Quiambao, La Salle kept the title last year via sweep against a Marinero team powered NCAA powerhouse San Beda Red Lions.
La Salle's D-League success extended to the UAAP that saw the Green Archers snapping a seven-year title drought by ruling Season 86 at the expense of the University of the Philippines Maroons with a thrilling Game 3 in the finals for their 10th UAAP crown.
San Beda was equally dominating, frustrating Mapua in three games to win the NCAA Season 99 for its 23rd title.
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But who knows? Anything can happen in this year's edition of the Aspirants' Cup.
After a single round classification, the top two teams advance to the semifinals while the remaining four teams play a best-of-three to determine the two other simifinalists.
Quarterfinal pairings will be determined by the team's finish in the elims. (JBU)
