Mark Herrera and the AMA Online Education Titans only had one thing in mind entering this game: to at least break a PBA D-League record.
James Martinez had a record night to lift the AMA Online Education Titans to a 125-76 rout of Topstar ZC Mindanao, Tuesday, in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The former UE standout had his guns ablaze, shooting 10-of-25 from beyond the arc to rewrite the PBA D-League scoring record with his 58 points and beat Mac Belo’s 41-point outing in the 2016 Aspirants’ Cup against Caida.
“Hinabol lang namin yung record ng D-League with James,” said coach Mark Herrera.
Martinez ignited the breakaway, pouring 13 in the second period to erect a 49-40 halftime lead. The former UE Red Warrior followed it up with 13 points in the third quarter, before catching fire with 31 markers in the payoff period – including a buzzer-beating triple to end the final quarter.
Overall, Martinez shot 22-for-42 from the field — 10-for-32 from distance — and 4-for-4 from the stripe.
Herrera says that every win is enough of a silver lining for AMA, who have already been eliminated in the Final Four race despite their 4-6 record.
“Yung win din kasi ang hinahanap namin. Kung makadagdag sa record namin, bakit hindi,” he said.
Jay-R Taganas also chipped 13 markers, 27 rebounds, and seven assists, while John Montemayor recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards in the win.
Gino Jumao-as led Topstar ZC Mindanao (0-11) with 19 points, while JR Cawaling got 16 in the defeat.
The Scores:
AMA (125) – Martinez 58, Taganas 13, Montemayor Jo. 10, Jordan 9, Macaranas 9, Asuncion 8, McCarthy 7, Bragais 4, Calma 4, Ortega 3, Arambulo 0, Belleza 0, Carpio 0.
Topstar (76) – Jumao-as 19, Cawaling 16, Garcia 12, Ongteco 7, Argamino 6, Tano 6, Julkipli 5, Rivera 3, Dadjilul 2.
Quarterscores: 19-19, 49-40, 81-64, 125-76.
