Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Phoenix-Far Eastern University made quick adjustments this time as the Accelerators subdued University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner, 98-84, Tuesday to forge a three-way tie on top in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena.
Buried in an early double-digit hole yet again, the Accelerators came battling back by outscoring the Maroons, 34-13, in the second quarter to take a comfortable 55-39 halftime cushion they protected the rest of the way.
“We have to respect every opponent,” said Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales.
The Accelerators, who rallied late from a huge 22-point deficit last week, streaked to their third straight victory to share the lead with idle Caida Tiles and Cafe France.
BDO-National University made it to the win column after three outings by hacking out a 93-87 win over AMA University Online.
Matt Salem (16 points and seven rebounds), Jay Alejandro (14 points) and Alfred Aroga (14 points and 12 boards) powered the slow-starting Bulldogs.
“Most of our players are new, but I think they’re slowly adjusting,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano.
Mac Belo fueled the Accelerators with 20 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Ed Daquioag chipped in 16 points. Mike Tolomia, who had a triple-double outing last week, added 14 points and seven assists.
Roger Pogoy and Alfrancis Tamsi also contributed 10 points each for the Accelerators, who pulled away by as many as 24 points, 65-41, and kept the Maroons no closer than 11, 85-74, in the fourth period.
The Maroons skidded to their second straight loss for a 2-2 card, spoiling the day-high 28-point showing of Raymond Aguilar.
The Titans also remained winless in three games even with Rashawn McCarthy posting a double-double of 21 points and 10 boards.
The scores:
First Game
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
Second Game
BDO-NU 93—Salem 16, Alejandro 14, Aroga 14, Salim 9, Diputado 8, Labing-isa 7, Perez 7, Javelona 6, Tansingco 6, Yu 6, Roño 0.
AMA UNIVERSITY 87—McCarthy 21, Jamito 13, Mendoza 13, De Leon 12, Sargent 10, King 9, Dela Cruz 7, Arambulo 1, Calma 1, Balucanag 0, Hernandez 0, Macaranas 0.
Quarters: 26-18, 47-45, 69-68, 93-87