Cebuana fends off late KeraMix surge, takes 3-game win streak

Keith Agovida of KeraMix (light) vs Moala Tautuaa of Cebuana (dark). NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines – Cebuana Lhuillier had their luster game as it fended off a late rally from KeraMix, 95-88, to stay perfect in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday afternoon at J.C.S.G.O gym.

With the win, the Gems had their third straight win and a 3-0 start, the best so far in the league.

It looked like a cruise for the Gems as they led 90-65 in the final minutes but they gave up a 15-0 run to the Mixers.

Keith Agovida drained a three-pointer at the 2:49 mark from the left corner to cut the lead to 90-80.

Moala Tautuaa, though, regained normalcy for Cebuana as he drove easily to the hoop after the Mixers played matador defense to give the Gems a 95-82 lead.

KeraMix had another chance to trim the lead at the 1:20 mark but Marte Gill turned the ball over on a fast break.

Gems head coach Boycie Zamar said he wasn’t happy with his team’s consistency and wanted them to take the game convincingly.

“We still have inconsistencies,” Zamar said. “Our character should power us to win more convincingly.”

Cebuana had a 59-25 lead in the third quarter after holding the Mixers to a subliminal 23 percent shooting in the first half.

Tautuaa had a double-double for the Gems with 24 points and 10 rebounds while also dishing five assists.

Simon Enciso also had 24 points for the Gems. AC