PBA D-League: Ighalo-led Rising Suns dry out Waves

Kenneth Ighalo of Cagayan (dark) vs Lucas Tagarna of Boracay (light). PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Cagayan Valley learned its lesson the hard way when it lost to Hog’s Breath last Thursday in a game where the Rising Suns squandered a double-digit lead late.

And Cagayan was smart enough not to allow it to happen again as it led wire-to-wire in an 84-54 beatdown of Boracay Rum in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

“Our loss last time served as a wakeup call to the players,” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua in Filipino, whose team jumped out the gates and led by as much as 34 entering the fourth quarter.

Former Mapua forward Kenneth Ighalo topscored with 22 points on eight-of-12 shooting from the field while Adamson’s Don Trollano continues his impressive play with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Rising Suns upped their record to 5-1 while the Waves, who shot just 29.6% from the floor, fell to 2-3.

Fil-Italian guard Chris Banchero was the lone Boracay player to score in double-digits with 12 points and needed 12 attempts to do so as Cagayan clamped down on him defensively.

“We’re just lucky. Our outside shots went in,” Pua added.

Despite his the Suns strong showing, Pua knows his squad still has a lot more to offer.

“They’re still not consistent and there are times that they don’t play as a team. So far those are the things what we still need to work on.”

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