PHOENIX Petroleum-Far Eastern University advanced to the finals of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup with a 94-90 win over Caida Tile on Tuesday, sweeping their semifinal series at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Accelerators overcame a flat first half to arrange a title series with Foundation Cup titlist CafeFrance beginning on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Game One of the best-of-five series is at 3 p.m. It was just three months ago when the FEU Tamaraws, whose core now suits up for Phoenix Petroleum, came away with the UAAP Season 78.
Phoenix trailed by eight points, 46-54, in the first half before taking command by closing the third period with big wind-up for a 72-69 advantage. The Accelerators took the lead for good, 85-78, with another 6-0 run.
“In Game One, we were outrebounded but we outhustled them that’s why we won. Nung first half, we were outrebounded, outhustled, and outplayed,” said Phoenix Petroleum coach Eric Gonzales.
“Inencourage ko lang sila nung halftime and I’m very thankful na nag-deliver sila,” he added.
Ed Daquioag scored 22 points, including 13 in the third quarter, while Mike Tolomia chipped in 17 points and six assists for the Accelerators.
It was a huge disappointment for Caida, suffering a sweep after entering the semifinals seeded second.
Jonathan Grey scored with 22 points for the Tile Master.
The scores:
Phoenix Petroleum 94 — Daquioag 22, Tolomia 17, Mendoza 14, Pogoy 13, Belo 11, Jose 9, Andrada 4, Ru. Escoto 4, Ri. Escoto 0, Inigo 0, Tamsi 0.
Caida Tile 90 — Grey 22, Maiquez 11, Terso 11, Jalalon 9, Javier 8, Nambatac 7, Paniamogan 7, Gabawan 6, Perkins 5, Ruaya 4, Cabrera 0, Robles 0.
Quarterscores: 28-26; 46-54; 72-69; 94-90.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
