Rising Suns target second win vs Waves

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Valley tries to make it two-in-row as it goes up against Boracay Rum even as fancied NLEX opens its bid for a fourth straight championship against Erase Xfoliant in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at The Arena in San Juan today.

The Rising Suns, who went 0-9 in the last conference’s Foundation Cup, kicked off their campaign this year with an 89-85 decision over newcomer Informatics last Tuesday and will be seeking no less than the early solo lead against the Waves at 4 p.m.

“Hopefully, we can keep it (win) going,” said Cagayan Valley coach Alvin Puna, who improved his roster by recruiting former Cebuana Lhuillier Gems’ Christopher Exciminiano and Adrian Celeda, Mark Bringas and Fil-Canadian James Forrester.

Exciminiano scored 20 points, Forrester had 15 points, seven assists and two steals while Celada made 15 points and three assists to help power the Rising Suns past the Informatics side.

In contrast, Boracay Rum is coming off a 76-86 defeat to Cebuana Lhuillier.    

But focus will be on NLEX, which swept the league’s first three tournaments but is hard-pressed to keep its win run with a practically new squad following the exodus of its key players to the pro ranks, including Cliff Hodge, Calvin Abueva, Chris Ellis, Eman Monfort and Jaypee Belencion.

The Road Warriors, who will now be led by Baser Amer, Chris Sumalinog, Eric Camson, Nico Salva and Greg Slaughter, play the Erasers at 2 p.m.