Fresh Fighters, Rising Suns dispute No. 1

Games today 12 noon – MP Hotel vs Cebuana Lhuillier

2 p.m. – MJM Builders vs Jumbo Plastic

4 p.m. – Hapee vs Cagayan Valley

MANILA, Philippines - Hapee and Cagayan Valley clash today in a duel of unbeaten teams with the Fresh Fighters gunning for a sweep of the elims and the Rising Suns hoping to fuel their own sweep bid in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The Fresh Fighters have dominated their previous rivals to post a run of lopsided triumphs but remain wary of the Rising Suns who underwent massive build-up during the off-season in an all-out bid to claim their first championship. The 4 p.m. match is also billed as a preview of the finals. “It’s a good challenge for us to see how we will fare against a team with a championship experience. It’s also interesting how my players will compete against one of the toughest teams in the league,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc. The return of head coach Alvin Pua from a three-game suspension will be a big boost for the Rising Suns, who are coming off a two-week break after chalking up their ninth straight win – an 81-74 rout of Tanduay Light last Jan. 8.