Phoenix bounces back with a bang, turns back Tanduay

PBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--It seems like the 11-day FIBA OQT break was all Phoenix needed to reclaim their championship formula.

The Accelerators broke away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Tanduay Rhum Masters, 108-95, and recover from their first loss in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena on Tuesday night.

Nearly two weeks after Racal dealt them a 78-93 setback before the league gave way to France's eventual successful conquest of the FIBA OQT, Phoenix showed they have moved on since, leaning on a huge run in the final canto to get back to the top of the team standings.

The Accelerators were actually on a right track of pulling away as soon as the third quarter, taking a 61-45 lead midway in the period.

But the Rhum Masters recovered and came to within three, 68-71, later in the quarter.

Phoenix finally got past Tanduay in the final frame, opening a 17-point cushion, 101-84, with 2:13 left and never looked back.

"Kita mo naman yung pagbabago sa team. I told them na kung saan tayo nadapa, doon tayo bumangon. Thankful ako dahil nagrespond naman yung mga players," Coach Eric Gonzales said after the game.

Ed Daquioag led five Accelerators in double figures with 26 points, while Mac Belo tallied 11 of his 16 points in the pivotal fourth period.

Phoenix survived a 28-point explosion from Gelo Alolino, who also led five Tanduay players with ten or more.

Box Scores:

Phoenix 108-Daquioag 27, Belo 16, Tolomia 16, Jamito 12, Escoto 11, Pogoy 9, Mendoza 7, Knuttel 4, Batino 3, Inigo 2, Andrada 1, Tamsi 0

Tanduay 95-Alolino 28, Javillonar 13, Mendoza 12, Gotladera 11, Acuna 10, Celda 8, Santos 6, Cenal 2, Tagarda 2, Acibar 1, Lo 1, Stevens 1, Belencion 0, Lingganay 0

Quarterscores: 20-25, 51-43, 76-72, 108-95

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno