PBA IMAGES
MAKING it quick as planned, Caida Tiles and Phoenix-Far Eastern University walloped separate opponents Tuesday to arrange a semifinal showdown in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Yet coaches of both winning teams said playing consistently remains a concern even as the Tile Masters rolled past AMA University, 122-97, and the Accelerators hacked out a 92-72 rout of BDO-National University.
“We were too complacent in the second quarter,” said Caida coach Caloy Garcia. “But in the third quarter, we put some pressure and played better defense.”
The Tile Masters pulled away from a slim 51-47 edge behind Philip Paniamogan and Jamil Gabawan in the third quarter, where they outscored the Titans, 42-29.
Jason Perkins paced the Tile Masters with 17, while Paniamogan dropped 11 of his 16 points in the pivotal third-quarter run.
The Accelerators likewise staged a blistering run in the second quarter, 30-13, behind Mike Tolomia (19 points) and Achie Iñigo (15).
“From the start, that’s what we’ve been telling the team—to play consistent basketball,” said Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales.
The best-of-three series between Caida Tiles and Phoenix-FEU gets going next Tuesday.
Top-seeded Cafe France, the first semifinalist, will go up against the winner of the do-or-die match between Tanduay Rhum and University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner.
The scores:
First Game
CAIDA TILES 122—Perkins 17, Paniamogan 16, Gabawan 10, Jalalon 10, Nambatac 10, Robles 9, Ruaya 9, Maiquez 8, Cabrera 7, Grey 7, Terso 7, Parala 5, Javier 4, Lozada 3.
AMA UNIVERSITY 97—McCarthy 20, Jamito 16, King 16, Jordan 14, De Leon 12, Angeles 6, Asuncion 4, Gutierrez 3, Magpantay 2, Tampus 2, Tobias 2, Carpio 0.
Quarters: 32-20, 51-47, 93-70, 122-97
Second Game
PHOENIX-FEU 92—Tolomia 19, Inigo 15, Pogoy 12, Jose 11, Daquioag 10, Ru. Escoto 10, Belo 8, Tamsi 6, Ri. Escoto 1, Andrada 0, Pascual 0.
BDO-NU 72—Aroga 21, Alejandro 14, Salim 9, Salem 8, Yu 7, Javelona 4, Roño 3, Diputado 2, Labing-isa 2, Perez 2.
Quarters: 21-22, 51-35, 72-56, 92-72