Jr Taganas of AMA (dark) vs Bobby Balucanag of Liver Marin (light). NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines—Try again newcomers.
Playing the role of spoilers, AMA University pulled the rug from under LiverMarin 89-81 to start their campaign in the second conference of the PBA D-League Thursday afternoon at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
AMA showed their poise against the newcomers relying on a marvelous offensive display in the first half where they led by as much as 21, 45-24, after Jay-R Taganas’ and-one play midway through the second period.
“We really prepared for this conference and for their press,” AMA coach Mark Herrera said. “I highly feel that we have a better team this conference because we have a deeper bench.”
Taganas was all over the place for AMA finishing with 19 points and 19 boards while Jerramy King put up 24 points.
Marcy Arellano added a complete line of 14 points, six rebounds and six assists for AMA.
Choi Ignacio and Leo De Vera led LiverMarin with 14 points and seven rebounds each.