MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra secured their second consecutive victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, defeating Phoenix with a score of 94-72 on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The Gin Kings demonstrated a strong defensive strategy, limiting the Fuel Masters to just seven points in the final quarter. This win marked another successful outing for Ginebra, who had previously secured a victory against another team in the ongoing tournament.
Ginebra entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead over Phoenix.
They intensified their defense and offense, initiating a 12-0 scoring run that widened their lead.
This early fourth-quarter surge was briefly halted when Phoenix’s Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballungay managed to score.
However, Ginebra retaliated swiftly with another significant 11-0 run. This offensive push extended their lead to 94-68, ensuring their victory well before the final buzzer.
Scottie Thompson led Ginebra with a notable performance, adding 17 points to the board.
Japeth Aguilar supported with 16 points, while RJ Abarrientos contributed 12 points.
Abarrientos scored six points in the decisive fourth quarter.
Justin Brownlee also showcased his versatility with 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. This collective effort enabled Ginebra to maintain their undefeated record in the tournament.
For Phoenix, Donovan Smith stood out as a key player, scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. His performance included two assists and one block.
Ken Tuffin was the leading local scorer for Phoenix, contributing 15 points. Despite their efforts, Phoenix remains winless in the tournament, having lost all four games they have played so far.
The game’s quarter scores reflect Ginebra’s dominance, particularly in the second half. The first quarter ended with Phoenix leading 28-23, but Ginebra closed the gap by halftime, with Phoenix leading by just one point at 48-47.
Ginebra took control in the third quarter, outscoring Phoenix 24-17 to take a 71-65 lead into the final quarter. The fourth quarter was decisively in Ginebra’s favor, with a score of 23-7.
Ginebra’s robust defense in the closing stages of the game was instrumental.
They effectively neutralized Phoenix’s offensive threats, preventing any significant scoring runs from their opponents. The team’s cohesive effort on both ends of the court underscored their tactical superiority in this matchup.
Phoenix faces challenges as they look to reverse their losing streak in the upcoming games. The team will need to address their offensive struggles, particularly in closing out games. On the other hand, Ginebra will be looking to maintain their winning momentum as the tournament progresses.
