Jr. Powerade downs Cagayan

THE JR. POWERADE Tigers overcame a disorganized first half performance and downed the Cagayan Rising Suns, 67-61, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Arena in San Juan City.

The Tigers was the surprise package of the competition after getting their second win in three games. Their only loss so far has come at the hands of the NLEX Road Warriors, 56-83. In contrast, the Rising Suns fell to their third straight defeat.

Comebacking wingman Alvin Padilla set the tone for the Tigers in the second half as he scored 13 in their 29-10 output in the third, which was highlighted by a sizzling 16-0 run for a 48-39 lead. Jr. Powerade never trailed again after that.

Padilla and Lopez shared scoring for the Jr. Tigers with 19 points apiece. Mike Silungan added 10 points. Je Agas scored 11 of his game-high 20 points in the first half to lead the Rising Suns to a 36-26 lead at halftime.

Cagayan held Jr. Powerade to 9-of-32 shooting and dominated the boards, 34-13, after two quarters.

The Rising Suns were still up, 39-32, early in the third quarter before their shooting went sour. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio