Cagayan Suns rise over Chargers, firm up semis drive

MANILA, Philippines -  Cagayan Valley bounced back from back-to-back setbacks with a big win over Big Chill, 77-59, yesterday as it revived its hopes for the second outright semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Arellano gym in Legarda.

Eliud Poligrates churned out a 19-point output to lead three others in double-digit scores while the rest backed them up with a gritty defense that stymied the Superchargers.

The Rising Suns held the Superchargers to their lowest production in the conference.

“We have an opportunity to get there (semifinal) so why not go for it,” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua, whose wards tied their victims at 5-3, half-a-game behind second running Blackwater Sports.

The victory came on the heels of Cagayan’s losses to defending champion NLEX and newcomer Jose Rizal University last month as it kept the Rising Suns in the fight for No. 2.

“We got a good lead early because we played good defense. I kept telling the guys that if we play good defense we will be tough to beat. I’m glad they sustained the effort. Hope, this win will inspire them in our last two games,” said Pua.

Adrian Celada and James Forrester came off the bench to fire 15 and 14 points, respectively, for the Rising Suns while Joshua Webb had 10 markers and Mark Bringas pulled down 10 rebounds.

Cagayan stamped its class early and built a 31-19 bulge early in the second quarter with Webb completing a three-point play before drilling in a three-point shot and Christopher Exciminiano scoring on a layup.

In the other game, Boracay Rum routed Erase Xfoliant, 82-61, to stretch its win run to three and stay in the hunt for a quarterfinal slot with a 3-5 record.

Six players, led by Jeff Viernes, scored in double figures for the Waves, who led from start to finish.

The loss dropped the Erasers to 2-6 and out of the quarters race.

“I think nobody expected us to reach this far. If we continue playing as team I think we can make it (semis). I kept telling my guys nobody gave you a chance when you were in college. This is your time to shine so seize the opportunity,” Pua said.

The scores:

Cagayan Valley 77 – Poligrates 19, Celada 15, Forrester 14, Webb 10, Bringas 9, Eximiniano 5, Chong 3, Almazan 2, Cruz 0, Gusi 0, Villanil 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Big Chill 59 – Brondial 14, Bringas 10, Romeo 7, Montilla 7, Nuyles 6, Buenafe 5, Collado 4, Villahermosa 3, Santos 3, Canlas 0, Cortes 0, Semira 0, Lozada 0.

Quarterscores: 21-15; 33-30; 50-47; 77-59