Barangay Ginebra finishes strong vs Phoenix for back-to-back wins

Barangay Ginebra notched its second win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the expense of Phoenix, 94-72, on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Ginebra finished strong as it limited Phoenix to just seven points in the final frame against their 23-point output.

Ginebra was leading 71-65 by the end of the third period but made a 12-0 run to open the final frame. Ken Tuffin and Kai Ballungay stopped the bleeding for the Fuel Masters before Ginebra made another 11-0 rally to get a 94-68 lead which virtually sealed the win.

After leading, 48-47, at the half, Phoenix was limited to 24 points overall in the second half.

Scottie Thompson had 17 points, while Japeth Aguilar had 16 points. RJ Abarrientos had 12 points, six of which came from the fourth quarter alone. Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, had 10 points, seven boards, seven assists, and two steals as Ginebra improved to 2-0.

Donovan Smith had 20 points and 15 rebounds, along with two assists and one block for Phoenix, while Ken Tuffin led the locals with 15 points as Phoenix remained winless in four games.

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.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News