PHOENIX hardly showed any sign of rust after coming off a long 10-day break.
It has Mike Tolomia to thank for that.
The Accelerators asserted their mastery of Topstar ZC Mindanao Aguilas, 126-77, to stay unbeaten in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City
Mike Tolomia had a lot to do with that, finishing with a near triple-double of 25 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists while keeping the engine humming for a Phoenix team without suspended big man Mac Belo.
The former FEU gunner said the layoff turned out to be beneficial as it gave them time to respond to head coach Eric Gonzales' challenge to recapture the form that led Phoenix to the Aspirants Cup crown.
“Nung 10-day break namin, nakapag-isip kami kung ano ba talaga dapat gawin sa team namin,” said Tolomia. “Sinimulan namin sa practice, binalik namin yung intensity at nadala namin sa laro ngayon.”
Phoenix now holds a perfect 5-0 card, but the spitfire guard said the real test comes in their next two games when they face fellow contenders CafeFrance and Racal.
“Hindi pa namin nakakalaban Cafe France at Racal. Hindi pa namin nag-gauge kung saan na kami kasi sila yung top two teams,” he said.
“Kung manalo kami ng two straight, mas magiging malaki chance namin na makuha yung No. 1 and 2,” added Tolomia.
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