Late surge steers Phoenix past Tanduay for top spot

Phoenix used a late surge to fend off Tanduay, 108-95, Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig to once again take the top spot in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

Ed Daquioag captained that late flurry for the Accelerators, dropping 13 of his 27 points in the payoff period that went along with eight rebounds.

“Kita mo naman yung pagbabago sa team. I told them na kung saan tayo nadapa, doon tayo bumangon. Thankful ako dahil nagrespond naman yung mga players,” said coach Eric Gonzales.

Mac Belo also had a hand in that pullaway, firing 11 of his 16 markers in the fourth and grabbing seven boards, while Mike Tolomia also registered 16 points.

Raymond Jamito tallied a near double-double with 12 markers and nine rebounds, while Russel Escoto got 11.

The Accelerators went on a tear in the fourth quarter, breaking away from a close 76-72 third quarter with a 32-point finishing kick en route to their sixth win in seven games.

“Kita naman yung problema namin ng third quarter, and all we did was to play defense on (Gelo) Alolino. Buti nadepensahan naman ni Ed,” shared Gonzales.

Alolino’s superb 28-point, 6-assist outing for Tanduay went down the drain as the Rhum Masters fell to 5-3.

Jeff Javillonar chipped in 13 markers, while Jovet Mendoza wound up with 12 points and six boards in the defeat.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 108 – Daquioag 27, Belo 16, Tolomia 16, Jamito 12, Escoto 11, Pogoy 9, Mendoza 7, Knuttel 4, Batino 3, Inigo 2, Andrada 1, Tamsi 0.
TANDUAY 95 – Alolino 28, Javillonar 13, Mendoza 12, Gotladera 11, Acuna 10, Celda 8, Santos 6, Cenal 2, Tagarda 2, Acibar 1, Lo 1, Stevens 1, Belencion 0, Lingganay 0.

Quarters: 20-25, 51-43, 76-72, 108-95.