Warriors rip Bombers; Rising Suns burn Elite

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion NLEX and Cagayan Valley posted lopsided victories over their respective rivals yesterday to move closer to a title showdown in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.

But while the top seeded defending champion Road Warriors dominated the Jose Rizal Bombers from opening tipoff to score a 105-85 rout, the Rising Suns seized control only in the second half as they essayed an equally emphatic 91-76 romp over the second seeded Blackwater Elite Sports.

Ian Sanggalang poured in 12 points in the first quarter and the Road Warriors raced to an early double-digit lead, 26-13, en route to scoring the runaway victory despite coming a long break.

NLEX saw action last Dec. 20 when it waylaid Cebuana Lhuillier, 89-76.

“The guys really want to win this game. It’s just a best-of-three series and this win gives us a twice to beat advantage,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

Earlier, James Forrester scored 13 of his 25 points in the second quarter as Cagayan Valley overcame a four-point deficit to wrest a 47-41 lead at the turn before pouring it all out in the second to fashion out the victory over the Elite.

The Road Warriors and the Rising Suns shoot for the finals berths tomorrow, also at the Ynares Sports Arena.

In quest for their fourth straight title, the Road Warriors shot 52 percent from the field (18 of 34) in the first quarter that set the tone for the rout. NLEX led by as many as 32 (57-25) on a jumper by RR Garcia with 7:20 to play in the third.

The Heavy Bombers staged a late rally but could only get no closer than 79-97 on a three-pointer by John Villarias with 1:40 remaining.

Nico Salva added 17 markers for the Road Warriors while Sanggalang and Garcia finished with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Kevin Alas, Greg Slaughter and Eris Camson also combined for 31 points.

John Villarias topscored for JRU with 21 points.

Earlier, the Elite failed to neutralize Forrester, a Fil-Canadian who made three of first four shots, including two triples, in the second quarter as the Rising Suns outscored their rivals, 31-21, to take the lead for good.

Forester also went 5 for 5 from the line, had one assist, one rebound, one steal and one block to highlight his brilliant second quarter.

“James’ game is kind of up and down this conference. But he played consistent today and made a lot of key plays,” said Cagayan coach Alvin Pua afterwards.

Cagayan, which had a woeful 0-9 stint in the debut last conference, also got big games from Raymund Almazan (18 points, 17 assists) and Eliud Poligrates (16 points, six assists) as the Rising Suns dominated both ends and were never challenged in the second half

“We’re lucky enough to make the semis so I told the boys to give their best. I’m glad they responded well,” Pua said. “But I thought our ability to contain Jeric Fortuna (Blackwater’s guard) was the key. I have too much respect for him and I thought we did a good job silencing him.”