Cignal-Ateneo fights Benilde in DL opener

Games today (Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) 1 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies 2 p.m. – Cignal-Ateneo vs Go for Gold-CSB 4 p.m. – Marinerong Pilipino vs Valencia Bukidnon-SSC-R

Two teams with championship experience will face an early test as Go for Gold-College of Saint Benilde and Cignal-Ateneo clash at the start of the PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig today.

The Scratchers, titlist of last year’s Foundation Cup, and the Hawkeyes, built on the core of UAAP back-to-back champion Ateneo, kick off the action at 2 p.m. followed by the 4 p.m. clash between Marinerong Pilipino and Valencia City Bukidnon-San Sebastian.

Justin Gutang and Roosevelt Adams spearhead the Scratchers as they try to make a strong start against Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, Matt Nieto, Ange Kouame and the rest of the Hawkeyes.

Cignal-Ateneo looms as the favorite following its players’ title run in the collegiate level but coach Tab Baldwin wants to temper the expectations.

“This is for players’ individual development. We’re doing that for experience but the primary goal is individual development. We’re trying to develop PBA and Gilas players here,” said Baldwin.