KeraMix gets winning mix in debut by blasting MP Hotel

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--KeraMix relied on a balanced scoring effort to take down MP Hotel, 87-60, in the main game of the PBA D-League Foundation Cup opening day festivities at the Ynares Sports Arena on Thursday.

KeraMix, formerly Racal Motors, began pulling away in the last five minutes of the first quarter, mounting a 14-0 run to take a 23-6 lead after the period.

MP Hotel, which is now made up of the core of the Letran Knights, tried to inch closer early in the second quarter, but its opponent held on and even stretched the lead to 22, 41-19, at the half.

The Warriors tried another rally at the start of the third quarter, but Michael Digregorio erupted from the outside, scoring all of his 14 points late in the period to help the Mixers build a 32-point cushion that they would hold on until the end.

The Mixers had a smooth offensive flow all game long as they dished out 21 assists and only committed nine turnovers, only two coming in the first half.

Jeff Viernes led four KeraMix players in double figures with 20 points with two rebounds and two assists.

Rey Nambatac top-scored for MP Hotel-Letran with 15 markers.

Box Scores:

KeraMix 87-Viernes 20, Digregorio 14, Jamito 14, Jalalon 12, Gabawan 8, Saitanan 4, Agovida 4, Ruaya 4, Canta 4, Marte 3, Ibay 0, Robles 0, Sinco 0

MP Hotel-Letran 60-Nambatac 15, Colina 8, Magat 7, Cruz 7, Yaya 6, Quinto 4, Mendoza 3, Luib 2, Custodio 2, Pacquiao 2, Dela Peña 0

Quarterscores: 23-6, 41-19, 73-41, 87-60