Hapee, Cagayan face DL acid test

MANILA, Philippines - Hapee and Cagayan Valley finally get the chance to test their true mettle as they take on two top contenders at resumption of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, hoping to close in on the two outright semifinal berths at the Marikina Sports Complex in Marikina City today.

The Fresh Fighters try to nail their seventh win in row against the Café France Bakers, in solo third with a 5-1 mark, at 2 p.m. while the Rising Suns seek to extend their win run to six against the Jumbo Plastic Giants, in fourth with a 5-2 card, at 12 noon.

Cebuana Lhuillier, meanwhile, hope to keep its hold of fifth place as it clashes with AMA University, looking for its fourth win in seven games.

But focus will be on the two unbeaten teams, which have dominated the early going of the tournament with Hapee coming off a 22-point romp over Wangs Basketball. The Fresh Fighters have beaten their first six rivals by an average of 14 points.

But the Fresh Fighters are expected to have their hands full against the Bakers, noted for their hard-nosed defense, limiting their foes to an average of 64 points.

“Café France is a tough defensive team so we have to be ready and match their intensity,” said Hapee coach Ronnie Magsanoc, whose wards, however, remain the league’s top defensive team, holding their rivals to an average 59 points.

While Hapee is almost a cinch to clinch an outright semifinal berth, Café France coach Egay Macaraya believes a third place finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals is more realistic target for his team.

Cagayan Valley also tries to sustain its unbeaten run and bolster its bid for an outright semifinal spot against the Giants.

Fresh from a two-week break after their record 120-77 blowout win against MP Hotel last Dec. 4, the Rising Suns are expected to dominate the depleted Giants, who are without injured frontliners Jan Colina and MacLean Sabellina.