WHEN Mac Belo takes his game up a notch, Phoenix is hard to stop.
This Tanduay found out the hard way yesterday.
With Belo summoning his MVP form, the Accelerators overpowered the Rhum Masters, 84-76, to grab the headstart in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
It took a stellar second half from the former FEU star to rouse the Accelerators from a slow start and push them on the cusp of a sweep of D-League titles this season, after winning the Aspirants Cup early this year.
Belo exploded for 27 of his 30 points in the last two quarters, while pulling down 14 rebounds and issuing three assists as the Accelerators used a solid fourth quarter effort to put away a Tanduay squad seeking a first crown.
“He refused to give up,” said coach Eric Gonzales of Belo, who is foregoing his final year of eligibility at FEU to focus on the national team.
“We talked about being the hungrier team. I challenged the players and they responded on the court.”
The Accelerators can complete their dream season with a win in Game 2 on Tuesday at Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
With Mike Tolomia and RR Pogoy also dishing out solid games, the Accelerators came alive in the last two periods after a nightmarish start that saw the Rhum Masters pounce on them in the paint.
Belo sparked a 10-0 burst by Phoenix that turned a 66-67 deficit midway in the fourth to a 76-67 lead with 3:17 remaining. The Accelerators also outscored the Rhum Masters, 22-6, in second chance points.
Pogoy chipped in 22 points, six boards, and three assists, while Mike Tolomia had 12 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
The Accelerators held Tanduay’s top gunners Gelo Alolino and Kevin Ferrer to a combined 16 points.
Reden Celda led Tanduay with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Rudy Lingganay finished with 14 points.
The scores:
PHOENIX 84—Belo 30, Pogoy 22, Tolomia 12, Daquioag 7, Mendoza 7, Andrada 2, Colina 2, Escoto 2, Batino 0, Inigo 0, Jamito 0, Tamsi 0.
TANDUAY 76—Celda 15, Lingganay 14, Eguilos 10, Ferrer 10, Mendoza 10, Alolino 6, Santos 4, Belencion 3, Tagarda 3, Acuna 2, Javillonar 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 40-40, 58-57, 84-76