Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan)
2 p.m. – Mindanao vs AMA
4 p.m. – Caida vs UP-QRS/Jam
Mac Belo scored 14 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter in an impressive follow-up to his record-setting performance last week as Phoenix-FEU pulled away to beat BDO-NU, 90-74, yesterday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at The Arena in San Juan.
The UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player sizzled during a key 19-2 run that saw the Accelerators turn a slim 63-61 lead after three quarters into a commanding 82-63 advantage to erase the disappointment of last week’s 108-91 loss to Caida Tiles.
Phoenix forged a tie for second place with Caida at 4-1, trailing unbeaten leader CaféFrance.
“Our loss against Caida was a wakeup call,” said Phoenix-FEU coach Eric Gonzales. “We have to play consistent basketball on both offense and defense. Even if you don’t shoot, as long as we move the ball, I’m happy.”
Belo’s fourth quarter explosion came after setting a D-League record of 41 points in the loss to Caida in a performance that boosted his bid to become one of the most sought-after players in next season’s PBA Draft.
Mike Tolomia fired 25 points with 10 rebounds for Phoenix while hardworking big man Raymar Jose added 14 markers.
J-Jay Alejandro, who has posted a series of impressive performances following the UAAP season, scored 20 points and Alfred Aroga had 19 points and 19 rebounds, but their efforts went for naught as BDO-NU fell to 1-4.
Meanwhile, Caida seeks to regain solo second today when it faces University of the Philippines-QRS/Jam Liner today at the same venue.
The 4 p.m. contest will be played after the clash of lowly teams Mindanao Aguilas and AMA University at 2 p.m.
Scores:
PHOENIX-FEU 90 – Tolomia 25, Belo 19, Jose 14, Tamsi 11, Pogoy 7, Ri. Escoto 6, Ru. Escoto 5, Inigo 3, Dennison 0, Elmejrab 0, Mendoza 0, Lee Yu 0.
BDO-NU 74 – Alejandro 20, Aroga 19, Labing-isa 14, Javelona 8, Salem 7, Salim 4, Yu 2, Diputado 0, Perez 0, Rono 0, Tansingco 0.
Quarters: 17-17; 42-40; 63-61; 90-74.