CIGNAL-Ateneo tries to get back on track, while Centro Escolar University hopes to sustain the surge in Game Three of the 2019 PBA D-League Finals on Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Game time is at 4 p.m.
The Scorpions look to prove their 77-74 Game Two win in the best-of-five series was no fluke.
Jerome Santos and Rich Guinitaran stepped up in that game to help Maodo Malick Diouf and the decimated CEU squad avoid the sweep and make a series out of it.
CEU coach Derrick Pumaren he expects a much better effort from Cignal-Ateneo.
"I'm sure that Ateneo will be back more aggressive for Game Three," he said. "They want to jump on us so we just have to be ready for them."
Ateneo deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga credited the Scorpions for having a better gameplan, and vows the Blue Eagles will play more aggressive.
"CEU played great, and we didn't come to play. There were a lot of lapses on our part, and a lot of great plays from CEU," he said. "But the key for us is learning from the game and coming to Thursday with proper adjustments. We're looking to bounce back from this game."
Senior forward Isaac Go missed last game and remains a gametime decision for Cignal-Ateneo.
Despite his absence, ready to get back on the court will be Ivorian slotman Ange Kouame and leading Conference MVP contender Thirdy Ravena.
The award is set to be given before Game Three, with Ravena in contention together with the Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR duo of RK Ilagan and Allyn Bulanadi.
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