RACAL’S thrilling triumph over last conference’s champion couldn’t get any better for coach Caloy Garcia.
Not only did the Tile Masters grab the solo lead, their underrated guards also got the better of the star-studded Phoenix Accelerators, 90-88, in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Philip Paniamogan drained the game-winning triple with 3.1 seconds left to seal the win that propelled the Tile Masters on top at 8-2.
But before his big shot—which came after Phoenix’s Ed Daquioag own huge basket—Paniamogan teamed up with Joseph Terso in getting the Tile Masters out of an eight point deficit, 73-81, in the last five minutes.
“I told the players whatever is given to you, you have to take it,” said Garcia. “This game just showed the character of the team.”
The Accelerators looked headed for the win after Daquioag buried a trey that put them ahead, 88-87, with just 11.9 ticks remaining.
But Paniamogan responded with a clutch shot over the outstretched arms of Roger Pogoy to finish with 13 points.
Terso chipped in nine points, including two triples that gave the Tile Masters an 87-85 edge with 1:02 minutes remaining.
“I’m happy with how we finished the game,” said Garcia. “We weren’t really hitting anything until the end.”
Dexter Maiquez led the Tile Masters with 19 points, while Billy Ray Robles added 14.
Far Eastern University’s star trio of Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia and Pogoy combined for 60 points to pace the Accelerators, who fell into a tie for third with idle Tanduay at 7-3. With a report from Delfin Ray Dioquino and Philip Martin Matel
The scores:
First Game
RACAL 90—Maiquez 19, Robles 14, Paniamogan 13, Terso 9, Grey 7, Ortuoste 7, Gabawan 6, Corpuz 4, Javier 4, Banal 3, Celiz 2, Neypes 2, Ambulodto 0, Lozada 0.
PHOENIX 88—Pogoy 22, Belo 20, Tolomia 18, Daquioag 10, Mendoza 9, Tamsi 4, Escoro 3, Colina 2, Andrada 0, Batino 0, Iñigo 0, Jamito 0, Knuttel 0, Pascual 0.
Quarters: 26-26, 44-43, 65-65, 90-88