Phoenix’s Roger Pogoy. PBA IMAGES
Mike Tolomia and Roger Pogoy found their groove early and paced Phoenix to a 109-70 victory over AMA Online Education Thursday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Tolomia once again registered a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It was only the third time such feat was done in D-League history, with the last one also coming from Tolomia last season.
Pogoy went on a three-point spree early and dropped 11 of his 20 markers in the first quarter, finishing the game on a 6-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc.
The FEU sniper waxed hot early and nailed three treys in the first quarter to help the Accelerators take a 34-13 lead they would never surrender.
“The players are being responsible now and they’re getting ready for the important games. We’re happy that we’re sharing the ball. Nagsimula kay Mike and rest of the team followed,” said coach Eric Gonzales. “Bumabalik na kami sa dati.”
Russel Escoto added 15 points, Ed Daquioag got 13 markers, three boards, and three dimes, while Mac Belo had 11 points and six rebounds in the win.
Gonzales could only smile as he is finally seeing changes in the Accelerators demeanor going into the homestretch of the eliminations.
“The coaches have been talking about consistency. Kino-correct namin yung sarili namin muna than worrying about our opponents and hopefully, nakikita na ng players yun,” he said.
Phoenix regained sole leadership in the tournament with a 7-1 record as it prepares for an all-important duel against Cafe France next Thursday.
James Martinez paced AMA (1-5) with 15 points, while Stephen Siruma got 12 markers in the loss.
The Scores:
PHOENIX 109 – Tolomia 23, Pogoy 20, Escoto 15, Daquioag 13, Belo 11, Inigo 7, Andrada 6, Mendoza 5, Knuttel 3, Batino 2, Jamito 2, Tamsi 2, Pascual 0.
AMA 70 – Martinez 15, Siruma 12, Bragais 10, McCarthy 9, Arambulo 8, Jordan 7, Taganas 7, Asuncion 2, Carpio 0, Macaranas 9, Je. Montemayor 0, Jo. Montemayor 0, Ortega 0.
Quarters: 34-13, 55-31, 78-50, 109-70.