VAUGHN Canta of Keramix gets away from MP Hotel’s Marlon Magat for a slam in yesterday’s game at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Keramix showed renewed confidence to go with a new name in the PBA D-League yesterday.
Jeff Viernes got off to a hot start as the Mixers (formerly Racal Motors) whipped MP Hotel, 87-60, at the start of the Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena.
“I just told the players we have to run against this team because we’re a very small team,” said Mixers coach Caloy Garcia. “We just ran the ball, that’s why we scored a lot. And at the same time, our defense was good in the first half that’s why we got a big lead.”
Viernes fired 14 of his 20 points in the first half as the Mixers overpowered the Warriors early to erect leads as high as 35 points, 78-43.
Earlier, AMA University dealt newcomer Liver Marin-San Sebastian a rude welcome by hacking out an 89-81 triumph.
Jerramy King drilled 24 points, 15 coming in the first half of the game, as the Titans led all the way and pulled ahead by as many as 21 points, 45-24.
Jay-R Taganas came out with 19 points and 19 rebounds and also helped the Titans preserve their lead in the closing minutes after the Stags closed in at five points, 84-79.
“It’s tough to go up against [the Stags] because they don’t give up easily and that’s exactly what happened,” said AMA coach Mark Herrera. “Our hard work paid off.”
The scores:
First Game
AMA UNIVERSITY 89—King 24, Taganas 19, Arellano 12, Terso 11, Maiquez 10, Sison 8, Tampus 3, Martinez 2, Diswe 0.
LIVER MARIN-SSC 81—Ignacio 14, De Vera 14, Ortuoste 10, Calisaan 9, Laude 9, Dela Cruz 7, Rios 6, Balucanag 4, Ambohot 4, Costelo 3, Abad 1, Fabian 0, Santos 0.
Quarters: 26-16, 47-34 67-49, 89-81
Second game
KERAMIX 87—Viernes 20, Digregorio 14, Jamito 14, Jalalon 12, Gabawan 8, Saitanan 4, Agovida 4, Ruaya 4, Canta 4, Gil 3, Ibay 0, Robles 0, Sinco 0.
MP HOTEL 60—Nambatac 15, Colina 8, Magat 7, Cruz 7, Yaya 6, Quinto 4, Mendoza 4, Escosio 3, Jur Luib 2, Pacquiao 2, Dela Peña 0.
Quarters: 23-6, 41-19, 73-41, 87-60