D-LEAGUE: UNBEATEN LEADERS CLASH
League-leader Hapee tests the mettle of Cagayan Valley in a matchup of unbeaten teams in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup on Thursday.
Unbeaten in 10 games, the Fresh Fighters attempt to complete a sweep of the elimination round against a team that underwent a massive build-up this season in an all-out bid to win its first championship.
Jaded observers consider the 4 p.m. match at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City as a preview of the Finals.
“It’s a good challenge for us to see how we will fare against a team with a championship experience. It’s also interesting how my players will compete against one of the toughest teams in the league” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc.
The return of head coach Alvin Pua from a three-game suspension will be a big boost for the Rising Suns, who are coming off a two-week break after chalking up their ninth straight win – an 81-74 drubbing of Tanduay Light last Jan. 8.
Moala Tautuaa, a US-born Fil-Tongan and the No.1 D-League draft pick overall, has been credited for Cagayan’s dominant start. It will certainly be very interesting to see how he will match up against the equally imposing Ola Adeogun of Hapee.
But while Hapee and Cagayan Valley will be battling for bragging rights and psychological advantage, the coveted no.4 spot will be at stake as Cebuana Lhuillier and Jumbo Plastic wind up their elimination round assignment.
The Gems (6-4) face the MP Hotel Warriors (1-9) at 12 noon while the Giants (6-4) collide with the MJM Builders (3-7) at 2 o’clock.
Cebuana and Jumbo Plastic have secured their places in the next round. The Gems, though, hold the advantage on the strength of the winner of the other rule for the twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals in case both of them win or lose their final outing.
The Warriors and the Builders are already out of the running. (DBC)
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