Mike Tolomia vs defender. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Phoenix-FEU bucked a poor start and clobbered UP QRS/JAM Liner, 98-84, to keep its record unblemished in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
Mac Belo took the baton this time for the Accelerators with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks as they racked up their third straight win.
Ed Daquioag contributed 16 markers, while Mike Tolomia added 14 points, seven assists and two boards for Phoenix.
Roger Pogoy and Alfrancis Tamsi both chimed in 10 markers each in the win.
After falling behind 14-2 early, the Accelerators responded immediately and took a 55-39 halftime lead. Phoenix continued to pummel the Maroons and took a 24-point lead, 65-41 midway the third period.
UP made a late run, trimming the deficit down to 11, 85-74, with 4:41 left in the fourth, but Belo and Pogoy were there to stop the Maroons’ rally.
Despite its 3-0 record, Phoenix-FEU coach Eric Gonzales still didn’t want to consider his team as a contender this conference.
“It’s nothing. We just have to be thankful,” he said, while toning down the Accelerators’ expectations in the process. “We might be champions, but this is another league. We have to respect every opponent.”
Raymond Aguilar finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds for UP, while Juneric Baloria wound up with 12.
The Scores:
PHOENIX-FEU 98 – Belo 20, Daquioag 16, Tolomia 14, Pogoy 10, Tamsi 10, Jose 9, Ru. Escoto 8, Iñigo 7, Ri. Escoto 3, Elmejrab 1, Mendoza 0.
UP QRS/JAM LINER 84 – Aguilar 28, Baloria 12, Ferrer 9, Dario 8, Batino 7, Soyud 5, Desiderio 4, Moralde 4, Sorela 4, Alolino 3, Neypes 0.
Quarters: 21-26, 55-39, 79-56, 98-84.