PBA: Phoenix escapes Ginebra for fifth straight win

SAN JOSE, BATANGAS — The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters took down Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 82-77, and extended their winning streak to five on Saturday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the FPJ Arena.

The Fuel Masters were leading by eight with 6:28 remaining before a layup by Ginebra import Tony Bishop and free throws from Christian Standhardinger cut the Kings' deficit to four, 76-72, past the halfway mark of the fourth frame. Phoenix then widened the lead to eight, thanks to a freebie from import Johnathan Williams and a triple by Ken Tuffin to give the Fuel Masters an 80-72 advantage.

LA Tenorio sank a triple at the 2:19 mark, followed by a basket from Tony Bishop to keep Ginebra's bid for the victory alive before a miss by Bishop from beyond the arc and free throws from Williams sealed the deal for Phoenix.

Williams posted 24 points and 23 rebounds on top of four assists, while Tuffin had 18 points as Phoenix improved to 6-1.

Bishop had 21 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, while Malonzo also had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds as Ginebra slipped to 4-2.

Scores:

Phoenix 82 – Williams 24, Tuffin 18, Alejandro 10, Perkins 9, Tio 7, Muyang 7, Jazul 3, Garcia 2, Rivero 2, Manganti 0, Soyud 0, Mocon 0, Daves 0, Camacho 0, Verano 0.

Ginebra 77 – Bishop 21, Malonzo 20, Standhardinger 12, Cu 6, Tenorio 5, J.Aguilar 5, Ahanmisi 4, Pinto 3, Pringle 1.

Quarters: 22-20, 36-43, 58-63, 82-77.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News