Rising Suns, Oilers pull off D-League shockers
Derulo Accelero and Cagayan Valley pulled off a double shocker in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at JCSGO Gym.
The Derulo Oilers stunned last conference’s finalist Big Chill, 77-76, while the Cagayan Rising Suns brought down defending champion Blackwater Sports, 93-91, to tighten up the race to the quarterfinals.
Jiovani Jalalon topscored with 17 points and Raul Soyud had a huge double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds to power the Oilers to their first victory in seven games.
“We know we’re out of it (playoffs), but we’re still motivated to win our remaining games because we want to earn some respect,” said Oilers coach Paolo Mendoza.
After a string of heartbreakers, the Oilers came out steadier down the stretch and survived the Superchargers’ rally from 10 points, 76-66, in the last three minutes.
Jalalon also dished out seven assists and Michel Juico added 15 points for the Oilers, who got off to a strong start for a 43-33 lead.
The Rising Suns, who foiled the Elite’s bid to grab a share of third, barged inside the top six in a tie with the Superchargers at 3-4.
“As long as we don’t get overconfident in our last two games, I think we still have a strong chance to make it to the playoffs,” assistant coach Raymund Valenzona said.
The scores:
First Game
DERULO ACCELERO 77—Jalalon 17, Soyud 16, Juico 15, Bautista 9, Importante 9, Corpuz 6, Acosta 5, Roncal 0.
BIG CHILL 76—Heruela 19, Villahdrmosa 13, Miranda 12, Brondial 9, Maiquez 8, Lozada 6, Canlas 5, Apinan 2, Bonifacio 0, Santos 0, Celada 0, Belleza 0.
Quarters: 22-13, 43-33, 63-57, 77-76
Second Game
CAGAYAN VALLEY 93—Casajeros 23, Ighalo 21, Gomez 14, Galliguez 11, Daquioag 10, Revilla 6, Collado 4, Webb 0, Olivares 0, Suguitan 0, Bangga 0.
BLACKWATER SPORTS 91—Cervantes 17, J. Cruz 17, Llagas 14, Pinto 11, M. Cruz 9, Ferrer 9, Bulawan 9, Mangahas 3, Manguera 2, Austria 0, Trollano 0.
Quarters: 30-15, 42-39, 68-63, 93-91
