PBA D-League: Phoenix stays in the hunt for top two spots

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Phoenix kept in the running for the top two spots after blowing out Blustar Detergent, 108-83, Tuesday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.

Mac Belo captained the victory with 23 points and five rebounds, while Ed Daquioag got 17 markers, four boards, and three assists.

Alfrancis Tamsi also recorded 14 points, Mike Tolomia chimed in 12 markers, six rebounds, and four dimes, and Russel Escoto also got 12 in the victory.

“I look at it and keep on emphasizing that we have to play it like a championship game even right now. Di kami pwedeng matamlay so we have to build on our game,” said coach Eric Gonzales. “Di naman ako nagda-doubt sa kanila and I’m confident that they can bounce back.”

Phoenix must win its last game against rival Cafe France on Thursday to give itself a chance for the elusive twice-to-beat incentives in the semifinals.

“I told them that whether we win or lose, we’re already in semis. The important thing is how we play the game. We want to win and from there, we build on it,” said Gonzales.

The Accelerators were on target from the get-go, racing to an 11-2 start and sustaining the run against the hapless Malaysians, extending the lead to as high as 31, 91-60 midway in the fourth period.

Blustar Detergent ended its D-League campaign with a 2-10 record, bowing out of the tournament at sixth place.

Juami Tiongson anchored the Dragons with 26 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Ivan Yeo had 21 markers.

The Scores:

PHOENIX 108 – Belo 23, Daquioag 17, Tamsi 14, Escoto 12, Tolomia 12, Inigo 10, Jamito 8, Mendoza 6, Pogoy 4, Andrada 1, Knuttel 1, Batino 0, Colina 0.
BLUSTAR DETERGENT 83 – Tiongson 26, Yeo 21, Kuek 11, Gan 8, Yim 5, Choo 4, Ong 4, Mak 2, Palma 2, Liaw 0, Ma 0, Teo 0, Ting 0.

Quarters: 24-10, 50-38, 79-58, 108-83.