PHOENIX stayed in the hunt for the top two spots after sending Blustar Detergent home with a 108-83 beatdown Tuesday in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Mac Belo led the Accelerators with 23 points and five rebounds, while Ed Daquioag chimed in 17 markers, four boards, and three assists.
Alfrancis Tamsi also had 14 points, Mike Tolomia added 12 markers, six rebounds, and four dimes, and Russel Escoto contributed 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. "Di naman ako nagda-doubt sa kanila and I'm confident that they can bounce back."
Phoenix has to beat rival Cafe France on Thursday to keep their hopes alive in finishing as one of the two teams in the semifinals 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," said Gonzales.
The Accelerators started the game with an 11-2 start and continued to pound on 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 its D-League campaign with a 2-10 card.
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