Pinto powers Cagayan’s rise

CAGAYAN Valley’s Celeponio Trollano draws a foul on the drive from Levi Hernandez of Arellano-Air21 in yesterday’s game. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

John Pinto left his college teammates frustrated as he led the Cagayan Valley Rising Suns to an emphatic 92-75 demolition of Arellano U-Air21 yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Pinto, Arellano’s starting point guard in the NCAA, delivered 23 points on 8 of 12 shooting in a highly physical encounter that saw the unbeaten Rising Suns score their third win.

Ahead by seven points at halftime, Cagayan cut loose in the third period behind Pinto’s heady play.

The shifty 5-foot-11 had six points and combined well with Don Trollano and Adrian Celada in attack as the Rising Suns erected a 74-60 lead after three periods.

“We focused on defense in the third quarter and it clicked,” said Cagayan assistant coach Toto Dojillo. Head coach Alvin Pua snubbed the post-game interview.

In the other game, Ralph Olivares unloaded 11 of his 13 points in the second period to set the tone for Cebuana Lhuillier’s 88-60 rout of Derulo Accelero.

The 6-foot-2 Olivares went three-of-five from beyond the arc during that span as the Gems built a lead the Oilers never bridged.

James Martinez shot 15 points and Paul Zamar added 14 for the Gems, who chalked up their first win following a 67-70 defeat to Cafe France last week.

Pinto, who was whistled for a technical along with Arellano’s Levi Hernandez for a verbal skirmish late in the third, also issued five assists.

The scores:
First Game
CAGAYAN VALLEY 92—Pinto 23, Trollano 17, Celada 14, Foronda 12, Ighalo 9, Mabulac 7, Bringas 3, Saycon 2, Caperal 2, Melano 2, Jamito 1, Mercader 0, Canta 0, Dela Cruz 0.
ARELLANO-AIR21 75—Rogado 17, Bangga 15, Jalalon 10, Cortes 9, Ciriacruz 9, Hernandez 5, Acidre 4, Agovida 3, Lapuz 2, Fran 1, Bartolo 0.
Quarters: 24-17; 49-42; 74-60; 92-75
Second Game
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 88—Martinez 15, Zamar 14, Olivares 13, Banal 11, Aguilar 8, Javier 7, Dizon 6, Alas 5, Leynes 5, Casajeros 2, Flores 2, Noble 0, Paredes 0.
DERULO 60—Soyud15, Manuel 10, Juruena7, Wong 6, Jeffries 6, Corpuz 4, Morillo 4, Bautista 3, Importante 3, Dilay 2.
Quarters: 19-18; 41-31; 62-44; 88-60