James Forrester vs JR Buensuceso. PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGES / Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Cagayan Valley shrugged off last Tuesday’s defeat with an 88-73 win over Cebuana Lhuillier on Thursday to complete the semifinal cast of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Guard Eliud Poligrates made up for his listless performance last Tuesday and finished with 16 points for the Rising Suns, who faces Blackwater in the semifinals next week.
Poligrates had a big second quarter to lead the Rising Suns, scattering 11 of his totals points as he went 3-of-4 from behind the arc and 2-for-2 from the line.
James Forrester and Mark Bringas had 15 points apiece while Adrian Celeda chipped in 10 for Cagayan, which has erased the memory of a 0-9 finish last conference.
The Gems, who forced the rubber match by beating the Rising Suns 84-83 on Tuesday, meanwhile, just couldn’t muster the same intensity this time.
James Martinez scored 13 points and Rex Leynes had 11 for the Gems, who were doomed by their poor shooting in the first half.