Phoenix-FEU books top 4 slot, stops streaking Tanduay

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Phoenix-FEU became the third team to clinch a top four seed in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup after trumping Tanduay, 85-80 Monday at San Juan Arena.

“That’s our goal, to make it to the top four,” said Phoenix head coach Eric Gonzales.

Roger Pogoy came up big for the Accelerators, dropping 12 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter. He shot 5-of-8 from three and grabbed eight rebounds to help snap the Rhum Masters’ five-game winning streak.

Mike Tolomia had 14 markers and nine assists, Mac Belo got 14 points, and Raymar Jose registered a double-double with 12 markers and 10 boards to help Phoenix-FEU improve to 5-1.

With the Accelerators leading by three in the final minute, Pogoy got open and drained a booming triple to push his team up, 83-77 with 57.1 left.

Jeoff Javillonar was still able to close the gap with a trey, but Belo slammed the door on Tanduay with a couple of free throws in the final 17.3 seconds.

“I’m thankful because the players responded after slacking off at the start of the game,” said Gonzales after Phoenix-FEU bucked a lackadaisical first half where it fell behind by as much as 11, 44-33.

Reden Celda captained the Rhum Masters (5-3) with 13 points, while Val Acuna and Rudy Lingganay had 11 markers each.

Tanduay will now hope that AMA beats UP QRS/JAM Liner to claim its place at the top four.

The scores:

PHOENIX-FEU 85 – Pogoy 21, Belo 14, Tolomia 14, Jose 12, Tamsi 9, Ru. Escoto 8, Inigo 5, Ri. Escoto 2, Andrada 0, Mendoza 0.

TANDUAY 80 – Celda 13, Acuna 11, Lingganay 11, Javillonar 8, Llagas 8, Wetherell 7, Belencion 6, Pessumal 6, Tagarda 4, Gotladera 3, Santos 3, Eriobu 0.

Quarters: 18-23, 37-46, 62-61, 85-80.