MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan Valley continued its rise to the top after trimming Blackwater, 91-76, in Game 1 of their 2013 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup semifinals Tuesday, February 12, at the Ynares Sports Arena.

After a 0-9 debut last season, the Rising Suns are now just a game away from clinching their first-ever finals stint, thanks to Raymund Almazan, who registered a double-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks.

James Forrester led Cagayan with 25 points and four assists, even thrilling the crowd in Pasig City with a 360-degree slam late in the third period.