Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER
Mike Tolomia ignited a blistering third quarter fightback as Phoenix-FEU battled back from 22-points down to shock AMA, 114-102, and stay unscathed in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
The shifty guard unleashed 16 points in the third quarter and finished with a triple-double of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists to carry the Accelerators in the huge comeback victory.
Roger Pogoy had 21 markers, while Mac Belo bucked his foul-plagued first half to wound up with 18 points and five boards.
“Ginusto nila maglaro, nilaban nila,” said Phoenix-FEU coach Eric Gonzales, who had to wake his wards up after a woeful two quarters and a half where it fell behind, 71-49.
“Sabi ko sa kanila sa first half, hindi sila naglalaro eh. Pag hindi sila naglaro ng tama, mayabang sila dahil hindi nila nirerespeto yung game. Sana manggaling lagi sa kanila yun. Wala namang magic eh. Kailangan lang magtrabaho tayo.”
Still down by 11 at the start of the fourth quarter, Phoenix-FEU fired an 18-5 run capped off by Tolomia’s four-point play to take a 94-92 lead. The Accelerators then broke off a 98-all deadlock with a 7-0 blast to grab a 105-98 lead going to the final three minutes of the game.
Raymar Jose also notched a double-double with 16 markers and 10 rebounds, while Alfrancis Tamsi chipped in 10.
Jerramy King took charge for AMA, which fell to 0-2, with 29 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Jammer Jamito had 25 markers in the defeat.
The scores:
PHOENIX-FEU 114 – Tolomia 28, Pogoy 21, Belo 18, Jose 16, Tamsi 10, Daquioag 7, Ri. Escoto 4, Ru. Escoto 4, Mendoza 4, Elmejrab 2, Inigo 0, Lee Yu 0.
AMA 102 – King 29, Jamito 25, Sargent 16, Romero 14, Dagangon 8, Balucanag 4, Dela Cruz 4, Calma 2, Arambulo 0, Hernandez 0, Macaranas 0.
Quarters: 17-26, 42-53, 76-87, 114-102.