Gin Kings vent ire on Fuel Masters, book quarters ticket

Brgy. Ginebra unleashed its frustration and decisively eliminated Phoenix from playoff contention with a commanding 112-96 victory, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Sept 18.

The Kings quickly shook off the disappointment of their worst loss in franchise history, exploding out of the gate to establish a double-digit lead that they expertly maintained throughout the game.

With this victory, Ginebra improved its record to 6-3, joining fellow Group B quarterfinalists San Miguel and Rain or Shine, while simultaneously sending Phoenix, now at a dismal 1-8, out of playoff contention.

Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson set the tone for the dominant performance, while RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, and Maverick Ahanmisi contributed significantly, stretching the Kings’ lead to as much as 21 points in the second half.

Abarrientos led the charge for Ginebra, finishing with a conference-high 24 points, including three three-pointers, alongside five rebounds and five assists. Thompson delivered a solid all-around display with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

Aguilar, who ignited the Kings’ offense early on, scored 17 of his 21 points in the first half, while Brownlee focused on facilitating, contributing 13 points and an impressive nine assists. Ahanmisi rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points, while Stephen Holt added nine as part of the initial offensive surge.

The Kings came out firing in the opening quarter, establishing a 12-point lead at 36-24 by the end of the first period.

Though Phoenix attempted to close the gap to seven points at 38-31 in the second quarter, Ginebra swiftly countered with a surge of their own, expanding their advantage to 61-42, and never looking back.

Jason Perkins and Sean Manganti led Phoenix with 18 points each, while import Brandone Francis added 17 points. Rookie Kai Ballungay also contributed 16 points in a losing effort.

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 112 – Abarrientos 24, J.Aguilar 21, Thompson 20, Brownlee 13, Ahanmisi 12, Holt 9, R.Aguilar 4, Mariano 3, Pessumal 3, Adamos 2, Garcia 1, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0.

Phoenix 96 – Perkins 18, Manganti 18, Francis 17, Ballungay 16, Tuffin 9, Tio 6, Verano 4, Muyang 3, Soyud 3, Salado 2, Alejandro 0, Rivero 0, Ular 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Garcia 0.

Quarterscores: 36-24, 61-45, 90-75, 112-96.