Hapee, Cagayan stake clean slates

Relishing the view at the top, Hapee and Cagayan Valley battle separate foes today at Marikina Sports Complex bidding to stay unbeaten in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.

The Fresh Fighters go up against the MP Hotel Warriors at 2 p.m. after the Rising Suns’ 12-noon clash with the Racal Motors Alibaba squad.

“They’re a dangerous team,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc, who is bidding for an eighth straight win against the Warriors. “All their losses are close games, so we can’t take them lightly. We can’t overlook this team.”

Though the odds favor the Rising Suns, who are seeking a seventh consecutive victory, an upset is not discounted with their head coach Alvin Pua serving a three-game suspension.

Pua was also fined P50,000 by PBA commissioner Chito Salud for confronting a game official at the halftime break of Cagayan’s 82-74 win over Jumbo Plastic last week.

Struggling ballclubs MJM Builders (1-6) and Wangs Basketball (2-4) take the floor at 10 a.m.

Both on a three-game slide, the Builders and Couriers need to sweep their remaining games to remain in contention for the next phase.