PICKING up from where it left off in the previous tournament, Phoenix Fuel opened its PBA D-League Foundation Cup campaign in style by overpowering Tanduay, 98-79, Tuesday night at JCSGO Gym.
Former UST ace Ed Daquioag pumped in 22 points, the bulk of which came in the second period when the Accelerators went on a 24-0 tear to take the fight out of the Rhum Masters.
Toughened by their stint with Gilas Cadets in the Seaba Championships two weeks ago, Mike Tolomia and RR Pogoy came through with 15 and 12 points, respectively, for the Fuel Masters, who stunned Cafe France in the Aspirants Cup finals last month.
The swashbuckling performance left Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales in awe.
“I’m very happy because they enjoy playing with each other and they’re playing with confidence,” said Gonzales. “I can see that they’re trusting each other, but I just warned them to not underestimate the opponent.”
Daquioag had 20 points in the telling run that boosted the Accelerators to a 47-22 lead late in the second quarter.
Racal started the day of routs as the Tile Masters whipped AMA Online Education, 100-67, for its first victory.
Former San Sebastian standout Dexter Maiquez came through with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Raphael Banal chipped in 15 points for the Tile Masters, who missed stars Jiovani Jalalon and Jason Perkins.
Racal also drew strength from former St. Benilde star Jonathan Grey, who tallied all of his 13 points in the first half, and ex-pro Robby Celiz, who grabbed six rebounds that went with 11 points.
“We needed this win and the players especially the ex-pros know that if they want to make it back to the PBA, it helps that they are on a winning team in the D-League,” said coach Caloy Garcia.
The scores:
First Game
RACAL 100—Maiquez 16, Banal 15, Grey 13, Celiz 11, Paniamogan 9, Corpuz 7, Javier 6, Robles 5, Gabawan 4, Ortuoste 4, Ruaya 4, McCarthy 3, Terso 3, Lozada 0.
AMA 67—Ragasa 16, Arambulo 14, Belleza 12, Publico 12, Asuncion 3, Magpantay 3, Calma 2, Macaranas 2, Je. Montemayor 2, Jo. Montemayor 1, Bragais 0, Carpio 0, Dizon 0, Jordan 0.
Quarters: 23-17, 49-30, 71-45, 100-67
Second Game
PHOENIX 98—Daquioag 22, Tolomia 15, Pogoy 12, Inigo 8, Jamito 8, Andrada 7, Escoto 6, Mendoza 5, Belo 4, Pascual 4, Tamsi 3, Batino 2, Knuttel 2.
TANDUAY 79—Mendoza 11, Acibar 9, Alolino 9, Lingganay 9, Santos 9, Vigil 8, Tagarda 6, Celda 5, Javillonar 5, Acuna 4, Gotladera 3, Belencion 1, Cenal 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 47-27, 75-50, 98-79