Racal once again proved that it belonged among the league’s bests, dealing Phoenix its first loss, 93-78, Thursday evening in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Tile Masters injected themselves back in the conversation for the top two spots, stunning the Accelerators with a blazing fourth period and pulling away with a 19-5 tear in the fourth to hold a 92-76 edge with 1:16 left to play.
“We’re trying to make it to the top two,” said coach Caloy Garcia, as Racal stopped Phoenix’s winning streak at five and in the process, tied Tanduay at third place with a 5-2 record as the league takes a short break to give way to the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Jamil Ortuoste captained the Tile Masters with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jonathan Grey finished with 19 markers.
Robby Celiz also got 11 points, three boards, and three dimes, while Dexter Maiquez had a near-double-double with nine markers and 14 rebounds in the victory.
“I just told the players na we’re going to shorten out rotation because the only way to beat Phoenix is to run with them the whole time and siguro napagod sila eventually,” said Garcia.
Mac Belo led Phoenix (5-1) with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Roger Pogoy had 16 markers in the defeat.
The Scores:
Racal (93) – Ortuoste 20, Grey 19, Celiz 11, Maiquez 9, Robles 9, Javier 8, Corpuz 6, Paniamogan 5, Gabawan 4, Banal 2, Neypes 0, Terso 0.
Phoenix (78) – Belo 22, Pogoy 16, Tolomia 13, Daquioag 5, Andrada 4, Batino 4, Escoto 4, Jamito 4, Mendoza 4, Knuttel 2, Inigo 0, Tamsi 0.
Quarterscores: 29-22, 40-38, 65-64, 93-78.
