Phoenix beats Caida in semis opener behind Daquioag, Belo

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Ed Daquioag lit up with 32 points to tow Phoenix-FEU past Caida Tiles, 90-83, in Game 1 of their 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup semifinals series Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The former UST standout carried the Accelerators from the get-go, dropping 11 in the first frame to set the tone for his team in the nip-and-tuck matchup. He also had eight rebounds and three assists.

Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia, meanwhile, took over in the fourth as the FEU duo teamed up in a deciding 14-1 run that turned a 78-74 deficit to an 88-79 lead with only 1:12 remaining.

Belo finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and three steals while Tolomia got 10 points, seven assists, and three rebounds in the win. Russel Escoto added a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards for the Accelerators.

“Honestly, we are trying to teach our players to engage in a war,” said Phoenix head coach Eric Gonzales. “The first time we played against them, we were caught flat. Our message to them was we have to engage right on. I don’t question your belief, but our mindset has to be there because it’s not going to be easy.”

Phoenix-FEU got back at Caida following its 108-91 defeat back in the elimination round, where Belo saw his 41-point night go down the drain.

Jonathan Grey had 14 points and four rebounds for the Tile Masters, who turned the ball over 21 times. Jason Perkins added 12 markers, while Chris Javier chipped in 11.

Game 2 is next Tuesday also at San Juan Arena.

The scores:

PHOENIX-FEU 90 – Daquioag 32, Belo 20, Ru. Escoto 11, Tolomia 10, Tamsi 5, Andrada 4, Pogoy 4, Inigo 3, Ri. Escoto 1, Mendoza 0.

CAIDA TILE 83 – Grey 14, Perkins 12, Javier 11, Cabrera 10, Terso 10, Jalalon 9, Paniamogan 7, Robles 4, Maiquez 3, Gabawan 2, Nambatac 1.

Quarters: 23-23, 42-46, 67-68, 90-83.