GRAND SLAM IS REAL | Phoenix takes D-League double with decider win against Tanduay

Ivan Saldajeno
By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—Phoenix took home the PBA D-League Foundation Cup title with an 87-78 win against Tanduay in the last game of the best-of-three finals at the Alonte Sports Arena on Thursday night.

The Accelerators, who also won the Aspirants Cup title, averted a late disaster and repulsed the Rhum Masters to complete the season sweep.

Seven straight points from Mike Tolomia sparked Phoenix's hot start, eventually leading to a 39-19 lead midway in the second quarter.

But Tanduay roared back, as Val Acuña's second half surge drew his team to within three, 63-66, with less than eight minutes left in the game.

Five straight points kept the Accelerators afloat, and they withstood the Rhum Masters' last stand.

Tolomia, who played through flu in Game 2 only to struggle, finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for Phoenix, which became only the second team to accomplish a grand slam in the D-League.

Jaymo Eguilos recovered from an early pressure defense against him and led Tanduay with 16 markers, six boards, and three blocks.

Box Scores:

Phoenix 87-Tolomia 21, Below 14, Daquioag 10, Jose 9, Escoto 9, Andrada 6, Mendoza 6, Iñigo 5, Pogoy 4, Tamsi 3, Colina 0

Tanduay 78-Eguilos 16, Celda 14, Alolino 13, Acuña 13, Lingganay 10, Ferrer 7, Belencion 3, Gotladera 2, Tagarda 0, Mendoza 0, Santos 0, Javillonar 0

Quarterscores: 32-17, 48-34, 65-56, 87-78

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