PBA: Ginebra vents ire on Phoenix to secure quarterfinals slot in Governors’ Cup

Eager to recover from its worst loss ever, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel vented its ire on Phoenix for a 112-96 victory in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, September 18.

The Gin Kings, who were on the wrong end of history last September 15 after a 49-point loss to San Miguel, knew their mission from the get-go.

Ginebra raced off to a 36-24 start and was never in any danger of relinquishing that advantage for the rest of the match.

More importantly, the Gin Kings have now secured a quarterfinal slot with a sixth win in nine games, all while handing out the Fuel Masters’ eight loss for a 1-8 record in Group B.

RJ Abarrientos came up big for the Gin Kings with 24 points, five rebounds, five assists, and a steal to earn his first Best Player of the Game nod.

Japeth Aguilar played a big role in Ginebra’s fiery start, dropping 17 of his 21 points in the first 24 minutes of action. He also had eight rebounds and four assists.

Scottie Thompson also put up another all-around outing with 20 points, six rebounds, and six assists while Justin Brownlee doled out game-high nine assists on top of 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals.

“Ngayon I’m just doing the right things. Coming off the bench yung energy type of player yung need namin eh,” said Abarrientos after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jason Perkins paced the Fuel Masters with 18 points, Sean Manganti had a good start but did little in the second half to finish with the same number of points.

Brandone Francis tallied 17 points and six rebounds.

The Scores:

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.