Gin Kings take down Fuel Masters for back-to-back wins

Japeth Aguilar delivered an explosive performance, scoring 31 points in one of the most remarkable offensive displays of his career, as Barangay Ginebra triumphed over Phoenix, 110-101, on Friday in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The seasoned Aguilar took charge, propelling the Kings to their third victory in five games as they wrapped up their first-round campaign. He contributed 14 points in the second half, proving instrumental in fending off a spirited third-quarter surge from Phoenix.

Justin Brownlee showcased his versatility with a triple-double, amassing 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists for Barangay Ginebra, which at one point led by as many as 20 points. However, a valiant comeback from the Fuelmasters, spearheaded by RR Garcia, made things tense.

Ginebra ignited a 9-0 run, punctuated by a spectacular two-handed slam from Aguilar, right after Phoenix had narrowed the gap to just one point at 74-73.

“I thought our guys did a good job of keeping their composure. Once it got to a one-point game, they got back to that mentality of playing possession by possession and focusing on defense, and made another run, ironically, with Justin off the floor,” said Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone.

“That shows some really good character at that point.”

Aguilar fell just short of his career high of 32 points, a mark he has achieved three times, most recently in Game Five of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Finals against TNT during the Clark bubble on December 9, 2020.

Meanwhile, Stephen Holt contributed 19 points, including a crucial four-pointer during the Gin Kings’ decisive third-quarter run, while RJ Abarrientos added 16 points, along with four rebounds and four assists.

Despite a commendable effort, Phoenix remains winless at 0-5. Brandone Francis starred for the Fuelmasters with 33 points, while Garcia chipped in 17 points, 14 of which came in the third quarter, energizing Phoenix’s resurgence, only for their efforts to fall short in the final minutes.

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 110 – J. Aguilar 31, Brownlee 23, Holt 19, Abarrientos 16, Thompson 9, Ahanmisi 7, Tenorio 3, Go 2, Cu 0, Garcia 0, Pinto 0, Adamos 0, Mariano 0.

Phoenix 101 – Francis 33, Garcia 17, Perkins 13, Mocon 8, Rivero 7, Tio 7, Muyang 5, Jazul 3, Ballungay 2, Daves 2, Verano 2, Manganti 2, Tuffin 0, Alejandro 0, Salado 0.

Quarterscores: 24-25, 57-46, 87-75, 110-101.