D-LEAGUE: CAGAYAN GUNS FOR SHARE OF LEAD
Cagayan Valley tries to keep its unbeaten record when it faces MP Hotel on Thursday in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Coming off a 13-day break after an inspiring 89-84 double overtime win over Café France last Nov. 24, the Rising Suns are seeking their fifth straight win and a piece of the lead alongside idle pacesetter Hapee (5-0), the only other unbeaten team in the tournament.
In contrast, the Warriors are trying to avoid a fourth straight loss to stay in the race for a playoff spot.
The long break should also enable Moala Tautuaa, Cagayan’s no.1 draft pick, to get used to the physicality in the league. He should expect a lot of banging and pushing against the Warriors in their 12 noon match-up.
“The game here is very physical. It’s very different from the ABL. I’m not used to being pushed in the back, but I’ll adjust,” said the 6-7 U.S. born Fil-Tongan, who tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists in his debut against the Bakers.
In the other games, resurgent AMA University takes on Jumbo Plastic at 2 p.m. while free-falling Tanduay Light goes up against Wangs Basketball at 4 p.m.
In the aftermath of their confidence boosting 97-89 victory against Bread Story-LPU , the Titans (3-3) try to make it three in a row to bolster their chance of advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Medyo dehado tayo sa experience, pero subukan natin baka makuha sa depensa,” said AMA University coach Mark Herrera, who expects a tough match-up against the Giants (4-2)
Jay-R Taganas is averaging 13 points and 17 rebounds a game while Philip Paniamogan and Joseph Eriobu have been averaging 19 and 14 points, respectively, the past two games. If the trio stay consistent, chances look good for the Titans against the depleted Giants.
Meanwhile, coach Lawrence Chongson returns to the sidelines on as the Rhum Masters try to snap a three-game skid. Chongson was out the last two games to attend to some business matters overseas. (DBC)
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