Philip Paniamogan drained the game-winning three as the Racal Tile Masters continued to own Phoenix’s number, shocking the Aspirants’ Cup champions with a 90-88 victory, Tuesday, in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
With 3.1 seconds to spare, the sniper from JRU buried the game-clinching long bomb through the outstretched arms of Roger Pogoy, as he finished the game with 13 points on a 2-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
“I’m happy with how we finished the game,” said coach Caloy Garcia, who had leaned on his second group to eke out the win in the clutch.
Dexter Maiquez paced the Tile Masters with 19 markers and five rebounds, while Billy Robles had 14 points, four boards, and three assists.
Racal had to battle back from an eight-point deficit, 81-73, with 5:19 to play and eventually held an 87-85 edge after a Joseph Terso three with 1:02 left.
Phoenix then went to Ed Daquioag, who answered back with a trey to re-take the lead with 11.9 seconds remaining, but Paniamogan had other plans, nailing the game-winner to put the Tile Masters at the top of the standings at 8-2.
Racal also dealt Phoenix their first defeat with a 93-78 decision last June 30.
Pogoy topped the Accelerators with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Mac Belo had 20 markers and six boards.
Phoenix fell to a tie with Tanduay for third place at 7-3.
The Scores:
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.
Quarterscores: 26-26, 44-43, 65-65, 90-88.
