Cagayan Valley, NLEX arrange title showdown in PBA D-League

MANILA, Philippines -- Defending champion NLEX survived a 25-point effort by John Villarias and a gutsy stand by the Jose Rizal University to escape with a thrilling 87-85 decision in the deciding Game 3 of their PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinal series Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan. 

Kevin Alas scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half to show the way for the Road Warriors, who will be making their fourth straight finals appearance against the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns.

The Rising Suns advance to the Finals by eliminating no.2 Blackwater Sports, 80-68, in the other semi-final.

The best-of-three championship series starts on Thursday at Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.

“It’s a relief to be able to get past JRU. They’re my biggest worry. I’m happy the players responded well especially on defense,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Road Warriors took the lead for good with an 11-2 run midway in the third quarter but encountered anxious moments in the second half as Villarias, JRU’s streak shooting guard, knocked down 3-point shots one after the other.

Villarias made 6 of 10 3-point attempts in the second half and finished 7 of 12. As a team, JRU went 11 of 23 from the trifecta zone.

“The moment he start knocking those threes I knew we’re in trouble. But our defense made the difference,” Fernandez said.

Earlier, Eliud Poligrates scored 17 points while Joshua Webb and Mark Bringas added 11 apiece for the Rising Suns, who faltered in the second quarter but came out strong after halftime.

The Rising Suns outscored the Elite, 45-28 in the second half with their defense playing a big factor. Cagayan Valley held Blackwater Sports to 27 percent shooting (10 of 37) from the field in last 20 minutes of play.

“I’m overwhelmed. This is my first time to make the finals of a popular league. This is our gift to team owner and Gov. Alvaro Antonio, who is celebrating his birthday today,” said Cagayan Valley coach Alvin Pua, who turned the Rising Suns into a contender practically overnight.

The Rising Suns went 0-9 in their maiden campaign last conference and their march to the finals was a complete surprise.

After Blackwater’s Gio Ciriacruz tied the count at 43-43, the Rising Suns went on a 12-0 run to take the lead for good. Poligrates had five and Jason Melano chipped in four in that run.

The Rising Suns were in total control in the fourth quarter as the Elite continue to struggle with their shooting. Blackwater shot 4 of 18 in the fourth.

Kevin Ferrer scored 18 points and Robby Celiz added 12 for the Elite, who trailed by 10 points in the first half but outscored the Rising Suns, 14-3, to close the second for 40-35 lead at halftime.

After Anthony del Rio knocked 3-pointer to pull the Heavy Bombers within 84-85 with 35 second remaining Ronald Pascual made two free throws with 9.8 second left to make it a three-point game.

JRU had a chance to tie the game when Khazim Mirza rebounded a missed 3-point attempt by Villarias but the reserve forward missed on a undergoal stab. Fouled on that play, Mirza made the free throw to make it a two point game.

NLEX missed on their next possession giving the Heavy Bombers one more chance to send the game into overtime. But after a time out, JRU went to Villarias, who had his 3-point attempt blocked by Kirk Long as the buzzer sounded. 

The scores:

Cagayan Valley 80 – Poligrates 17, Webb 11, Bringas 11, Celada 10, LaO 9, Almazan 8, Eximiniano 7, Melano 5, Cruz 2, Pasculado 0, Forrester 0, Montemayor 0.

Blackwater Sports 68 – Ferrer 18, Celiz 12, Llagas 11, Mangahas 10, Chua 8, Bagatsing 2, Abdul 2, Vigil 2, Fortuna 2, Ciriacruz G. 1, Pe 0, Ciriacruz I. 0.

Quarters: 21-15; 35-40; 57-54; 80-68

Second Game

NLEX 87 – Alas 19, Sanggalang 14, Pascual J. 13, Pascual R. 11, Camson 9, Salva 7, Sumalinog 4, Lanete 4, Long 3, Hermida 3, Amer 0, Garcia 0.

JRU 85 – Villarias 25, Pinto 15, Maiquez 15, Del Rio 3, Mirza 10, Paniamogan 1, Lopez 0, Almario 0, Ighalo 0, Miranda 0, Apinan 0.

Quarters: 19-15; 40-32; 64-57; 87-85