Games Monday (JCSGO gym, Quezon City)
1 p.m. – Jumbo Plastic vs Tanduay Light
3 p.m. – CafeFrance vs Cebuana Lhuillier
Fil-American Jerramy King produced a breakout performance as AMA University pulled off an 89-81 victory over ATC LiverMarin-San Sebastian at the start of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
King nearly completed a rare triple-double with 24 points, eight rebounds and six assists, leading the Titans to a blazing start that spoiled the debut of one of the league’s newest teams.
The 5-foot-11 guard from Long Beach State was selected fifth overall pick by Jumbo Plastic Linolerum in last year’s D-League draft before moving to AMA near the end of the Aspirants Cup.
He played one game for the Titans last conference, before re-introducing himself to local cage fans with his impressive performance yesterday.
King conspired with former National University guard Joseph Terso as AMA opened the game with a 16-4 lead before padding it to a 45-24 halfway through the second period.
Former San Beda center Jay-R Taganas then imposed his will on the younger Guardians to finish with 19 points, 19 rebounds and four assists for AMA, which is hoping to turn things around this conference after being one of the bottom-dwellers in the previous tourney.
“We have a deeper bench this conference. With the addition of Dexter Maiquez and Joseph Terso, our players can be more rested,” said AMA Coach Mark Herrera.
Leo de Vera and Choi Ignacio finished with 14 points apiece while Jamil Ortuoste added 10 markers for LiverMarin.
The loss proved to be a baptism of fire for the debuting Rodney Santos, who was tasked to coach LiverMarin’s D-League debut.
De Vera and Jovit de la Cruz tried to overhaul the huge deficit in the second half but AMA refused to falter.
In the second game, Jeff Viernes exploded for 14 of his 20 points in the first half as newcomer Keramix scored an impressive 87-60 victory over MP Hotel-Letran.