Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
PHOENIX-FAR Eastern U came out playing like it needed the win more as the Accelerators gave the Mindanao Aguilas the boot in a 90-80 decision Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena.
“We should play consistent basketball, so this game was very important to us,” said coach Eric Gonzales after his Accelerators, assured of a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals, wrapped up their elimina-tions stint with a third-best 6-2 record.
The Aguilas had hoped to pull off an upset to nail the last quarterfinal berth. Instead, they yielded the last slot to Wangs, which held a superior quotient even though both sides finished with similar 1-7 cards.
Mac Belo pumped in 24 points to power the Accelerators’ strong second half, while Ed Daquioag snapped out of his recent quiet performances with 22 points and four assists.
Caida Tiles also came out charging in the closing quarter to carve out a lopsided 89-68 win over BDO-National U.
Jonathan Grey fired 20 points to pace the Tile Masters.
The quarterfinals start Thursday with No. 1 Cafe France, toting a twice-to-beat edge, clashing with Wangs, and University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner also holding a bonus versus Tanduay.
The scores:
First Game
PHOENIX-FEU 90—Belo 24, Daquioag 22, Tolomia 14, Ru. Escoto 10, Andrada 6, Tamsi 6, Pascual 5, Inigo 3, Ri. Escoto 0, Lee 0.
MINDANAO 80—Acibar 18, Garcia 16, Salamat 12, Sarangay 10, Celiz 9, Jumao-as 8, Villanueva 3, Ignacio 2, Ongteco 2, Argamino 0, Dadjilul 0, Julkipli 0.
Quarters: 21-19, 39-39, 60-53, 90-80
Second Game
CAIDA TILES 89—Grey 20, Cabrera 12, Paniamogan 12, Robles 11, Perkins 8, Corpuz 6, Parala 5, Jalalon 4, Lozada 3, Gabawan 2, Nambatac 2, Ruaya 2, Terso 2.
BDO-NU 68—Aroga 19, Alejandro 9, Javelona 9, Salem 8, Salim 7, Labing-isa 6, Diputado 5, Tansingco 3, Perez 2, Rono 0, Yu 0.
Quarters: 13-14, 39-31, 59-47, 89-68