Barangay Ginebra cruised to its second victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters 94-72 on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Ginebra delivered a strong finish, holding Phoenix to just seven points in the fourth quarter, while scoring 23 of their own. Leading 71-65 after three quarters, Ginebra opened the final frame with a 12-0 run. Phoenix briefly responded with baskets from Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballungay, but Ginebra answered with another 11-0 surge, securing the win with a commanding 94-68 lead late in the game.
Phoenix, which led 48-47 at halftime, struggled in the second half, managing only 24 points overall.
Standout Performances
Scottie Thompson led Ginebra with 17 points, while Japeth Aguilar contributed 16 points. RJ Abarrientos added 12 points, including six in the fourth quarter. Justin Brownlee had an all-around performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, helping Ginebra improve to a 2-0 record.
For Phoenix, Donovan Smith put up a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Ken Tuffin added 15 points, leading the locals. Phoenix remains winless, falling to 0-4.
Scores
Ginebra 94 – Thompson 17, J. Aguilar 16, Rosario 14, Abarrientos 12, Brownlee 10, Cu 8, Holt 5, Ahanmisi 5, Pinto 5, Mariano 2, Adamos 0, Pessumal 0, R. Aguilar 0.
Phoenix 72 – Smith 20, Tuffin 15, Perkins 10, Tio 7, Ballungay 7, Rivero 4, Manganti 4, Verano 3, Salado 2, Alejandro 0, Jazul 0, Camacho 0, Garcia 0, Soyud 0, Ular 0.
Quarters: 23-28, 47-48, 71-65, 94-72.