PBA D-League: Phoenix-FEU gains share of lead, BDO-NU gets first win

MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix-FEU placed itself in a 3-way tie for the top spot in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, hammering UP–QRS/JAM Liner, 98-84, Tuesday, February 9 at FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

With UP going on a 14-2 run to start the game, the Accelerators gathered themselves and fired a quick response, taking a 16-point halftime lead, 55-39, and even led by as much as 24, 65-41, midway in the third frame.

The Maroons, however, made a late run and cut the lead to just 11, 85-74, before Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy quashed the late fightback.

Belo showed the way this time out with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and two blocks to put Phoenix-FEU alongside Caida Tiles and CafeFrance at the top with an identical 3-0 slate.

Ed Daquioag chipped in 16 markers, Mike Tolomia had 14 points, 7 assists, and two boards, while Pogoy and Alfrancis Tamsi both got 10 markers apiece.

Despite the big win, coach Eric Gonzales tempered the team’s expectations and said, “It’s nothing.”

“We just have to be thankful. We might be champions, but this is another league. We have to respect every opponent,” he continued.

Raymond Aguilar paced UP in the defeat with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Juneric Baloria had 12.

In the second game, BDO-NU finally solved the puzzle and notched its first win in 3 tries, downing AMA University, 93-87.

J-Jay Alejandro and Mohammad Salim provided the finishing touches as the two poured the last 7 points for the Bulldogs in the clutch to claim the victory.

Matt Salem topscored for BDO-NU with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Alejandro ended up with 14 markers.

Alfred Aroga also added a double-double of 14 points and 12 boards for BDO-NU (1-2).

“I think for one, kumpleto kami (we’re complete) this time,” said coach Eric Altamirano, as the Cameroonian big man returned to the lineup after a school-imposed one-game ban due to academics.

“Also, I think we’re getting used to that D-League-type of game. Karamihan kasi ng players namin bago, so slowly nakaka-adjust na rin sila (A lot of our players are new, so slowly they’re adjusting).”

BDO-NU will now go to a two-week break before returning to action on February 18 against the Mindanao Aguilas.

Rashawn McCarthy led the still winless AMA with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

First Game Scores:

Phoenix-FEU (98): Belo 20, Daquioag 16, Tolomia 14, Pogoy 10, Tamsi 10, Jose 9, Ru. Escoto 8, Iñigo 7, Ri. Escoto 3, Elmejrab 1, Mendoza 0.

UP-QRS/JAM Liner (84): Aguilar 28, Baloria 12, Ferrer 9, Dario 8, Batino 7, Soyud 5, Desiderio 4, Moralde 4, Sorela 4, Alolino 3, Neypes 0.

Quarter scores: 21-26, 55-39, 79-56, 98-84.

Second Game Scores:

BDO-NU (93): Salem 16, Alejandro 14, Aroga 14, Salim 9, Diputado 8, Labing-isa 7, Perez 7, Javelona 6, Tansingco 6, Yu 6, Roño 0.

AMA University (87): McCarthy 21, Jamito 13, Mendoza 13, De Leon 12, Sargent 10, King 9, Dela Cruz 7, Arambulo 1, Calma 1, Balucanag 0, Hernandez 0, Macaranas 0.

Quarter scores: 26-18, 47-45, 69-68, 93-87.

– Rappler.com