JEFF Viernes of Keramix looks for an open man as Norbert Torres of Cebuana Lhuillier defends in yesterday’s match. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Moala Tautuaa caught fire early and Cebuana Lhuillier trounced KeraMix, 95-88, to grab the solo lead in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at JCSGO Gym.
Tautuaa dropped 19 of his 24 points in the first half as the Gems zoomed to a 30-point advantage, 55-25, on the way to a third straight victory.
But MP Hotel pulled off a huge upset in the second game as the Warriors stunned Cagayan Valley with 107-106 decision.
Rey Nambatac knocked in a triple at the buzzer to lift the Warriors to their first victory after getting blown out by an average of 33.5 points in their first two assignments.
With only six seconds to turn things around, Rocky Acidre passed the ball to Jan Colina, who found the open Nambatac just in time.
Jopher Custodio fired 27 points to lead a second-half assault as the Warriors came back from a 16-point deficit, 54-70.
“The players were frustrated after losing our first two games by blowouts,” said coach Luis Gonzales after his Warriors shocked the Rising Suns, last conference’s runner-up.
“They showed a lot of character today and never gave up even when things looked bad.”
The Rising Suns, who fell to 1-1, had a chance to erect a three-point cushion but Jayson Melano canned only one of two free throws, 106-104, with 6.3 seconds left.
While the Warriors relished their upset win, the Gems weren’t exactly satisfied despite their perfect run.
“The team lacked consistency and character,” said Gems coach Boycie Zamar, noting how the Mixers managed to cut their double-digit spread. “We had a chance to win convincingly, but the team showed a lot of inconsistencies in the second half.”
The Mixers slipped to second after absorbing their first loss in three outings.
The scores:
First Game
CEBUANA LHUILLIER 95—Tautuaa 24, Ensico 24, Zamar 13, A. Mangahas 11, Torres 8, Acibar 6, Corpuz 5, Vosotros 4, J. Mangahas 0, Bautista 0, Lopez 0, Sarangay 0, Marata 0.
KERAMIX 88–Agovida 19, Jalalon 14, Gil 10, Saitanan 10, Gabawan 7, Digregorio 7, Viernes 6, Parala 6, Canta 5, Bartolo 2, Ruaya 2, Jamito 0, Robles 0, Sinco 0.
Quarters: 23-11, 55-25, 85-58, 95-88
Second Game
MP HOTEL 107–Custodio 27, Quinto 19, Nambatac 17, Acidre 16, Masaglang 12, Mendoza 6, Calvo 6, Colina 2, Escosio 2, Magat 0, Jur Lub 0.
CAGAYAN VALLEY 106–Melano 21, Mabulac 21, Galliguez 21, Celada 14, Trollano 13, Austria 7, Tayongtong 4, Rogado 3, Dilay 2, Flores 0, Santos 0, Arquero 0.
Quarters: 17-26, 42-48, 80-82, 107-106