Cagayan faces Derulo in PBA D-League today

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten Cagayan Valley takes on winless Derulo Accelero today, fancied to stretch its win run to four even as Zambales M-Builders shoot for its third win in four games against struggling Arellano-Air21 in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the JCSGO gym in Cubao, Quezon City.

The Rising Suns swept their first three games in emphatic fashion, including a 92-75 romp over the Chiefs last Tuesday, making them the heavy favorites against the Oilers, who dropped their first three matches.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

John Pinto tallied a game-high 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting to lead the Rising Suns past the Chiefs for their start in the league. 

“With a lot of new players in the team, chemistry is still a concern. Fortunately, our collegiate players are doing pretty well and giving us a big boost,” said Cagayan Valley assistant coach Toto Dojillo, referring to Pinto, Ken Ighalo, Don Trollano, Michael Mabulac and Prince Caperal. 

Though the Oilers showed some promise before dropping a 73-79 setback to the Zambales M-Builders in the league opener, they absorbed a pair of blowouts from the Boracay Rum Waves, 59-86, and the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, 60-88.   

Zambales M-Builders (2-1) is also heavily favored to clinch its second straight win against winless Arellano U (0-2) in their 2 p.m. encounter while Boracay Rum tangles with Café France at 12 noon. 

The Builders are coming off a 10-day layoff that followed their 76-74 decision against Wangs Basketball.

“That was a huge win for us. In a way it gave us something to look forward to,” said Zambales M-Builders coach Junel Mendiola.