Revellers, Jawbreakers begin PBA D-League faceoff

MANILA, Philippines — Che’Lu Bar and Grill-San Sebastian and Zark’s Burgers-Lyceum collide today in a rare duel for a PBA D-League crown by the lower rated teams with neither holding an edge in the Aspirants’ Cup finals at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The fourth-seeded Revellers shocked the No. 1 Akari-Adamson Falcons in their best-of-three semis series, posting a convincing 70-60 victory in Game One then holding to a 93-90 win to complete the sweep.

The Jawbreakers matched that feat, easing out the second seeded Marinerong Pilipino Skippers via a 90-87 win in overtime and a 102-89 rout in the next to become the lowest-ranked squad at sixth to make it to the finals.

“We are just happy to be here. We don’t really want to worry about Che’Lu. We just want to enjoy each and every opportunity that we get to play,” said Zark’s coach Topex Robinson.

Game time is at 4 p.m.

Despite losing veteran playmaker Jeff Viernes to the GlobalPort in the PBA, Che’Lu Bar and Grill-SSC remains upbeat of its chances with Michael Calisaan back in the roster after being sidelined for five games due to a left elbow fracture, and the likes of Cedrick Ablaza, Jay-R Taganas, Allyn Bulanadi and RK Ilagan raring to step up.

Viernes joined the Revellers in the quarterfinals and normed 18.3 points in three games.

“Our determination to win will carry us through,” said Che’Lu Bar coach Stevenson Tiu, whose wards beat the Jawbreakers, 97-88, in the elims.

Robinson, meanwhile, relishes his side’s underdog tag as he calls on his wards to continue to enjoy each game.