Shorthanded Phoenix holds off AMA for 3-0 start

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Mike Tolomia imposed his will early to lead Phoenix over AMA Online Education, 97-89, for its third straight win on Monday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Tolomia, the former FEU guard set the tone as he uncorked 14 of his game-high 27 points in the first quarter where the Accelerators took an early 26-13 lead. He also had four assists and three rebounds in the victory.

Phoenix further stepped on the gas pedal, pulling away to lead by as much as 23, 70-47, before the Titans staged a belated rally in the end.

AMA got to as close as six, 95-89 with a pair of Gene Belleza freebies in the final minute, but Alfred Batino sealed the game shut with a pair of free throws with 21.3 seconds left.

“Siyempre di ka naman dapat makuntento. Kita naman evident na wala pa yung consistency na hinahanap ko,” said Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales.

Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy sat out the game for Phoenix due to tightness in their hamstrings.

Ed Daquioag chipped in 18 points, six boards, and six assists, while Alfrancis Tamsi got 16 in the absence of Belo and Pogoy.

The victory kept Phoenix at the top of the standings at 3-0.

“Yun naman ang goal namin, Win as much as we can every game kasi husto namin makuha yung top two,” said Gonzales.

Ryan Arambulo paced AMA (0-3) in scoring with 18 points.

Jaycee Asuncion and Rey Publico had 17 markers apiece, while Jay-R Taganas made his return to the Titans with a double-double of 14 points and 21 rebounds that went with five assists.

The scores:

PHOENIX 97 – Tolomia 27, Daquioag 18, Tamsi 16, Jamito 11, Mendoza 7, Pascual 6, Inigo 5, Batino 3, Andrada 2, Escoto 2, Knuttel 0.

AMA 89 – Arambulo 18, Asuncion 17, Publico 17, Taganas 14, Belleza 10, Jo. Montemayor 9, Bragais 2, Magpantay 2, Dizon 0, Jordan 0, Je. Montemayor 0, Ragasa 0.

Quarters: 29-16, 58-39, 78-57, 97-89.