Rising Suns hope to shake off Fruitas five

(JRU Gym)

2 p.m. – Cagayan Rising Suns vs Fruitas

4 p.m. – JRU vs Erase Xfoliant

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Valley squares off with Fruitas today, seeking an all-important win to stay in the hunt for the second outright semifinal berth in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Jose Rizal University gym.

The Rising Suns are actually out to sweep their last two elims matches as they try to crowd second-running Blackwater Sports for the coveted incentive. The Elite totes a 6-2 card while Cagayan is just behind at 5-3. 

“I kept telling my boys that this is their chance to shine. We have an opportunity to make the semis outright, so why not go for it,” said Cagayan Valley coach Alvin Pua.

Cagayan Valley boosted its bid by upending a skidding Big Chill, 77-59, last week.

Defending champion NLEX took the first outright semis seat by finishing the elimination round with a 9-1 record.

The Rising Suns test the mettle of the Shakers  (4-4) at 2 p.m. with the latter also going all-out for a victory to strengthen their own playoff bid.

 The other game pits host Jose Rizal U, also with a 4-4 mark, against a struggling Erase Xfoliant (2-6) at 4 p.m.

The Shakers also need to win their last two games to stay in the running for a quarterfinal spot.