Belo takes over late as Accelerators take finals opener against Rhum Masters

PBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN--Mac Belo led the way for the Phoenix Accelerators in the dying moments of Game 1 of the best-of-three PBA D-League Foundation Cup finals to beat the Tanduay Rhum Masters, 84-76, at the Alonte Sports Center on Thursday night.

Belo sparked the game-turning 10-0 run that opened a 76-67 Accelerators lead with 3:17 left, as they never looked back and put one foot into their second straight championship.

The 6-foot-4 forward actually sizzled in the second half, tallying 27 of his game-high 30 points in the final 20 minutes.

"He refused to give up," Coach Eric Gonzales described Belo's late explosion.

RR Pogoy added 22 markers with six rebounds and three assists for the Accelerators, who can officially claim the title on Tuesday at the STRIKE Gym in Bacoor.

Reden Celda led Tanduay, which needs to beat the Accelerators on Tuesday to force the rubber match next Thursday at the said venue, with 15 points.

Box Scores:

Phoenix 84-Belo 30, Pogoy 22, Tolomia 12, Daquioag 7, Mendoza 7, Andrada 2, Colina 2, Escoto 2, Batino 0, Inigo 0, Jamito 0, Tamsi 0

Tanduay 76-Celda 15, Lingganay 14, Eguilos 10, Ferrer 10, Mendoza 10, Alolino 6, Santos 4, Belencion 3, Tagarda 3, Acuna 2, Javillonar 0

Quarterscores: 21-22, 40-40, 58-57, 84-76

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