Warriors, Rising Suns forge title showdown

MANILA, Philippines - NLEX overcame John Villarias’ 25-point explosion and Jose Rizal University’s gutsy stand to eke out an 87-85 decision while Cagayan Valley foiled Blackwater, 80-68, to forge a title showdown in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Kevin Alas scored all but two of his 19 points in the second half but the Road Warriors needed to toughen up on defense at endgame with Kirk Long foiling Villarias’ three-point attempt at the buzzer to escape with the victory in their sudden death for the second finals slot.

Earlier, the Rising Suns rode on a big fourth quarter run to frustrate the Elite and clinch the first championship berth.

The win thus kept NLEX on track of a fourth straight title after sweeping the first three crowns of the fledgling league while Cagayan Valley gained a crack at the crown after a winless debut last conference.

“It’s a relief to be able to get past JRU. They’re my biggest worry. I’m happy the players responded well especially on defense,” said NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.

The best-of-three championship series starts tomorrow at Ateneo Blue Eagle gym.

“I’m overwhelmed. This is my first time to make the finals of a big league. This is our gift to team owner and Gov. Alvaro Antonio, who is celebrating his birthday today,” said Cagayan Valley coach Alvin Pua, who turned the Rising Suns into an overnight title contender.

The Road Warriors seized control with an 11-2 run midway in the third quarter but Villarias almost single-handedly brought JRU back into the game with a string of triples.

Villarias made six treys in the second half.

“The moment he started knocking those threes, I knew we’re in trouble. But our defense made the difference,” said Fernandez.

Eliud Poligrates scored 17 points while Joshua Webb and Mark Bringas added 11 markers apiece for the Rising Suns, who led by just three at the onset of the fourth but outscored the Elite, 23-14, to advance.

Cagayan Valley also held Blackwater Sports to 27 percent shooting (10 of 37) from the field in last 20 minutes of play.

Kevin Ferrer hit 18 points and Robby Celiz added 12 for the Elite, who actually seized a three-point lead at the turn.

After Anthony del Rio knocked in his own triple to pull the Heavy Bombers within 84-85 with 35 seconds remaining, Ronald Pascual made two free throws with 9.8 seconds left to make it a three-point game.

Villarias flubbed a triple in the ensuing play but Khazim Mirza grabbed the offensive rebound and converted on a free throw. NLEX then missed on its next possession, giving the Heavy Bombers one more chance to send the game into overtime or steal the win.

But after a time out, JRU went to Villarias, whose attempt from the long range was blocked by Long as time expired.