Tanduay stuns Phoenix, forces decider for PBA D-League crown

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BINAN – With its back against the wall, Tanduay outclassed Phoenix, 89-75, Tuesday to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Finals at Alonte Sports Arena here.

Gelo Alolino took charge late, unfurling 10 of his 26 points in the fourth, to go with three rebounds and two assists to give his team a final crack at the crown.

Reden Celda added 15 markers and six dimes, while Jaymo Eguilos also chipped in 11 points, seven boards, and three blocks for Tanduay.

The Rhum Masters frustrated the Accelerators in the fourth, extending their 61-56 third quarter lead to 14, 77-63, as Mac Belo got ejected for incurring two technicals with 4:49 remaining.

Alolino and Eguilos then laid the finishing touches as Tanduay took hold of a lead as high as 21, 89-68.

“Sabi ko nga, yung mga larong walang bukas, doon kami umaahon,” said coach Lawrence Chongson. “But before we get too ahead of ourselves, all we did is tie the series.”

The series will now go to a decider on Thursday, still at the same venue.

“Phoenix is a dangerous animal. I would want nothing else but to win on Thursday,” said Chongson.

Ed Daquioag paced Phoenix with 18 points, three assists, and two rebounds, while Belo had 16 markers, four boards, and three dimes.

Mike Tolomia, who was crowned the MVP before the game, struggled with just eight points.

The Scores:

TANDUAY 89 – Alolino 26, Celda 15, Eguilos 11, Javillonar 9, Belencion 8, Ferrer 5, Lingganay 4, Mendoza 4, Javelona 3, Santos 2, Tagarda 2, Gotladera 0, Stevens 0.
PHOENIX 75 – Daquioag 18, Belo 16, Pogoy 12, Tolomia 8, Escoto 7, Tamsi 3, Andrada 2, Batino 2, Inigo 2, Knuttel 2, Mendoza 2, Jamito 1, Colina 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 41-38, 61-56, 89-75.