Phoenix-FEU stuns Caida anew, sets Finals date vs CafeFrance

Phoenix-FEU arranged a championship duel against CafeFrance after sweeping Caida Tile, 94-90, in Game 2 of their best-of-3 semifinals series Tuesday at San Juan Arena.

The win will pit the Accelerators against the Bakers in a best-of-5 Finals tussle starting Thursday for the right to be named the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup champions.

“Syempre masaya kasi one step towards our goal, pero hindi pa ganoong kasaya,” said coach Eric Gonzales.

Ed Daquioag was the biggest difference anew as he ignited Phoenix-FEU’s third quarter fightback from 13-points down, 50-37, uncorking 13 of his 22 markers in the said frame. He also had three rebounds and three assists.

“Sabi ko nung halftime, if we’re going to play the same way again in the first half, di malayong matalo tayo. We were outrebounded, we were outhustled and we were outplayed, but we had a chance maka-bounce back sa second half,” said Gonzales. “In-encourage ko sila and I’m thankful na nag-deliver sila.”

Mike Tolomia also got 17 points and six dimes, while Gryann Mendoza got 14.

Roger Pogoy chipped in 13 markers, while Mac Belo poured 11 points and hauled seven boards in the win.

Jonathan Grey led the Tile Masters in the losing effort with 22 points, while Joseph Terso and Dexter Maiquez both wound up with 11 markers each.

The Scores:

PHOENIX-FEU 94 – Daquioag 22, Tolomia 17, Mendoza 14, Pogoy 13, Belo 11, Jose 9, Andrada 4, Ru. Escoto 4, Ri. Escoto 0, Inigo 0, Tamsi 0.
CAIDA TILE 90 – Grey 22, Maiquez 11, Terso 11, Jalalon 9, Javier 8, Nambatac 7, Paniamogan 7, Gabawan 6, Perkins 5, Ruaya 4, Cabrera 0, Robles 0.

Quarters: 28-26, 46-54, 72-69, 94-90.