Cagayan Valley hopes the two-week break did the team good as the Rising Suns shoot for a share of the top spot in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup today.
With top rookie pick Moala Tautuaa expected to have settled in, the Rising Suns try to stretch their unbeaten run to five games against MP Hotel at noon today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“I think our team is jelling and that’s good for us,” said Abel Galliguez, one of thee Filipino-American guards who have keyed the Rising Suns’ perfect start.
In other games, Jumbo Plastic vies to rebound from a shock loss in the 2 p.m. match versus AMA University, while Tanduay Light aims to snap a three-game skid against Wangs at 4 p.m.
A victory by the Rising Suns will put them on the lead at 5-0 together with the star-studded Hapee squad.
Tautuaa got off to a solid debut as the 6-foot-7 Filipino-Tongan collected 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists to lead the Rising Suns to a thrilling double-overtime triumph over Cafe France, 89-84, last Nov. 20.
Despite the big numbers, Tautuaa said he needs to adjust to the physicality in local play.
“I’m not used to getting pushed like that, but it’s something I should get used to,” said Tautuaa, who grew up in the US with his mother Ramonita, who traces her roots in Cabanatuan.
The arrival of Tautuaa, this season’s top rookie pick, beefed up the Rising Suns’ already potent roster bannered by the Fil-Am trio of Galliguez, Alexander Austria and Randy Dilay.
The Giants, meanwhile, look to recover from an upset loss to newcomer Racal Motors, 77-66, while the Rhum Masters hope to regain their winning form with coach Lawrence Chongson back after missing the team’s last two games due to an overseas commitment. Jasmine W. Payo