PHOENIX Petroleum clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with an 85-80 win over Tanduay on Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
Roger Pogoy had 21 points, 12 in the fourth period, as the Accelerators improved to 5-1 and claimed the incentive for the top four teams at the end of the elimination.
Phoenix, which also tied Caida Tiles at second place in the standings, snapped Tanduay’s five-game winning streak.
“Thankful ako na nag-respond ’yung mga players kasi very relaxed sila. Sabi ko, hindi niyo sila puwedeng biruin dahil beterano sila,” said Phoenix coach Eric Gonzales.
Pogoy capped off a 6-0 run with a triple with 57.1 seconds left.
A 12-0 run put the Rhum Masters ahead, 75-70, but the Accelerators made crucial baskets in the end.
Mac Belo had 14 points while Mike Tolomia finished with 14 points and nine assists for Phoenix.
Reden Celda had 13 points for Tanduay, which wrapped up the eliminations with a 5-3 slate.
The scores:
Phoenix-FEU 85 — Pogoy 21, Belo 14, Tolomia 14, Jose 12, Tamsi 9, Ru. Escoto 8, Inigo 5, Ri. Escoto 2, Andrada 0, Mendoza 0.
Tanduay Light 80 — Celda 13, Acuna 11, Lingganay 11, Javillonar 8, Llagas 8, Wetherell 7, Belencion 6, Pessumal 6, Tagarda 4, Gotladera 3, Santos 3, Eriobu 0.
Quarterscores: 18-23; 37-46; 62-61; 85-80.
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