Celedonio Trollano (light) of Cagayan Valley vs Eliud Poligrates and Josan Nimes (dark) of Cafe France. Photo by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Don Trollano shone in his debut in the PBA D-League, leading Cagayan Valley to an 83-74 win over Cafe France in the opener of the 2013-2014 Aspirants’ Cup Thursday.
The marksman from Adamson unleashed 22 points, all but five in the second half, and pulled down 11 rebounds for the Rising Suns, who survived even with just 10 players.
“Siya talaga yung nag-step up on defense and offense,” said head coach Alvin Pua after the game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Trollano, the Rising Suns’ first-round pick in the draft, lived up to expectations and helped push the lead back to 75-68 with 2:43 to play.
From there, Cagayan, successfully foiled Cafe France’s last ditch rally led by Josan Nimes and Ping Exciminiano.
Prince Caperal, John Pinto, Kenneth Ighalo, Mark Cruz and Michael Mabulac are still tied up with their respective schools in the NCAA.
Exciminiano led the Bakers, meanwhile, with 16 points including a huge triple off the inbound with 1:13 to play that cut the deficit down to 74-78.
But that was the last Cafe France would score.