Phoenix improves to 5-0, crushes Topstar

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Phoenix showed no mercy with a 49-point demolition of Topstar ZC Mindanao, 126-77, for its fifth straight win Monday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Mike Tolomia caught fire in the second period, unloading 11 of his 25 points to put the Accelerators up, 56-40, at halftime. The ballooned to as high as 53, 124-71.

Tolomia almost recorded a triple-double with nine assists and eight rebounds.

Phoenix remained unscathed after five games as it survived the absence of Mac Belo, who served a one-game suspension following his ejection in the Accelerators’ last game against Blustar Detergent.

Ed Daquioag added 17 markers, five boards, and four dimes, Gryann Mendoza went 3-of-7 from threes to finish with 15 points, and Yutien Andrada got 12 markers and six rebounds in the rout.

Idle for the last 10 days, coach Eric Gonzales is finally seeing signs of the old Phoenix squad which took the title last conference.

“When we had a three day break after going 4-0, I told the players that I want to see the original Phoenix squad last conference. After that break, nagulat ako sa pinakita nila. It gave me confidence na pag ganyan ang ipakita ninyo, kahit sino ang iharap sa atin, magpo-profit tayo dahil grabe ang hard work nila sa practice,” he said.

“It’s not the offense. It’s the defense dahil doon nagsisimula ang lahat para sa amin.”

Gino Jumao-as led Topstar ZC Mindanao (0-5) with 12 points.

The scores:

PHOENIX 126 – Tolomia 25, Daquioag 17, Mendoza 15, Andrada 12, Pogoy 11, Batino 10, Tamsi 10, Inigo 7, Knuttel 7, Escoto 6, Jamito 6.

TOPSTAR ZC MINDANAO 77 – Jumao-as 12, Ferrer 9, Argamino 8, Rono 8, Garcia 7, Cawaling 6, Dadjilul 6, Ongteco 6, Cabrera 5, Rivera 5, Sarangay 5, Acosta 0, Ignacio 0.

Quarters: 23-17, 56-40, 88-53, 126-77