MANILA, Philippines—Starting off their season to a good run, Keramix ripped LiverMarin 89-71 to start their PBA D-League Foundation Cup with a 2-0 record Thursday evening at Ynares Sports Arena.
Keramix fired on all cylinders taking control of LiverMarin from the start.
It was still a close contest at the end of the first half, 45-39, but the Mixers mounted an offensive clinic to go up 65-48 in the third quarter.
Mixers head coach Caloy Garcia, who was celebrating his birthday, said his players are stepping up even with their lack of size and filling in the void of the injured Jiovanni Jalalon.
“We did a good start to this game, the guys are stepping up,” Garcia said. “The wings, the guards are stepping up.”
“I always tell them that whoever is playing well gets to play more minutes.”
Jalalon fell awkwardly on his back after challenging a shot from Jamil Ortuoste.
An ugly moment, however, happened when Guardians’ Raymond Jamito and Mixers’ Choi Ignacio got tangled up with 48 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Jamito was then sent out of the playing court.
Despite the scuffle, a better scene was seen on the game.
It was the first-ever game in the D-League where a female referee was officiating.
KeraMix relied on balanced scoring from 12 of its players.
Luis Sinco and Jeff Viernes led the Mixers with 12 points apiece with Keith Agovida and Jalalon scoring nine points each.
Jabil Gabawan had eight points and eight boards.
Ortuoste led LiverMarin with 18 points with Jovit Dela Cruz adding 14 points for the 0-2 Guardians.
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