The Phoenix Accelerators stayed alive in the race for the top two, sending the Blustar Detergent Dragons home with a 108-83 beatdown, Tuesday, in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
Mac Belo topped the Accelerators with 23 points and five rebounds, while Ed Daquioag chimed in with 17 markers, four boards, and three assists.
Alfrancis Tamsi also got 14 points. Mike Tolomia added 12 markers, six rebounds, and four dimes, and Russel Escoto also had 12 in the win.
“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. “Hindi naman ako nagda-doubt sa kanila and I’m confident that they can bounce back.”
Phoenix have to beat rival Café France on Thursday to stay in the hunt for the top two spots in the semifinals, which come with a twice-to-beat advantage.
“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,” Gonzales furthered.
The Accelerators started the game with an 11-2 run, and continued to pound Blustar, holding a lead as big as 31, 91-60, midway in the payoff period.
Juami Tiongson anchored the Dragons with 26 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while Ivan Yeo had 21 markers, as Blustar Detergent wrapped up their D-League campaign with a 2-10 card.
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 (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.
Quarterscores: 24-10, 50-38, 79-58, 108-83.
