PBA D-League semifinal duels get going

MANILA, Philippines—Despite sweeping the eliminations, Cagayan Valley hopes to do even more in the semifinals of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup Thursday.

The Risings Suns, still unbeaten in 11 games, clash with the upset-conscious Cebuana Lhuillier in Game 1 of their best-of-three encounter at 4 p.m. at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

“Nakatsamba lang kami (We were just lucky),” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua. “We still have to see if it will continue in the semis.”

Hapee, the No. 2 squad whose lone loss came against Cagayan, battles Cafe France in the other semifinal pairing at 2 p.m.

Cebuana coach Boycie Zamar hopes his Gems will be up to the task after completing an upset in the quarterfinals, where they overcame the twice-to-beat advantage of Jumbo Plastic.

“They have the advantage,” Zamar said of the Rising Suns, who are led by Filipino-Tongan center Moala Tautuaa and nifty Filipino-American guards Abel Galliguez, Alli Austria and Randy Dilay.

“But somehow we’ve gained momentum and confidence. One factor we just have to address is our killer instinct. Sometimes we relax too early.”

Cafe France coach Egay Macaraya likewise thinks the Bakers must give their all from the get-go versus Hapee’s loaded cast bannered by Ray Parks, Garvo Lanete, Troy Rosario, Baser Amer, Chris Newsome and Ola Adeogun.

“Hapee’s players are all scorers,” said Macaraya. “It will be very tough for us to match up with them.”