AMA University broke the game open early and demolished Kera Mix, 107-80, Thursday to end the long dry spell of the Titans in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Arena.
James Martines and Dexter Maiquez fired 23 points each for the Titans, who set the tone for the rout by erupting for 30 points in the opening quarter.
Jarelan Tampus, Jerramy King and Jaypee Asuncion also asserted themselves on both ends, giving coach Mark Herrera enough reason to be optimistic.
“This win gave us a good shot to make the next round. We just have to get the job done in the next two games,” said Herrera after the Titans snapped a three-game skid and climbed to fifth with a 3-4 record.
The Mixers, visibly rusty after a two-week layoff, stayed half a game ahead the Titans at 3-3.
In the other game, Aljon Mariano had 17 points and Joseph Eriobu added 15 as Tanduay Light dumped Liver Marin, 92-76, to raise its record to 2-4.
Liver Marin took a fifth defeat in six games.
The scores:
First Game
TANDUAY LIGHT 92—Mariano 17, Eriobu 15, Ilagan 13, Sumang 11, Tagarda 10, Belencion 9, Rosales 7, Santos 6, Escueta 2, Dela Paz 2, Jumao-As 0, Cenal 0, Rono 0.
LIVER MARIN 76—Ignaio 19, Costelo 15, Guinto 9, Dela Cruz 8, Rios 7, Ortuoste 5, Calisaan 4, Bangga 4, De Vera 3, Balacunag 2, Santos 0, Laude 0, Marcus 0.
Quarters: 22-21 44-41, 69-59, 92-76
Second Game
AMA 107—Maiquez 23, Martinez 23, Asuncion 13, Tampus 112, King 10, Taganas 9, Camasura 9, Sison 8, Quijano 0, Diswe 0, Angeles 0, Dizon 0.
KERA MIX 80—Viernes 23, Digregorio 15, Robles 10, Gabawan 7, Agovida 7, Ruaya 6, Jamito 5, Parala 5, Gil 2, Bartolo 0, Saitanan 0, Sinco 0, Ibay 0.
Quarters: 30-19, 59-35, 80-55, 107-80