Ginebra kept its chances of advancing to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals alive following a convincing 106-89 victory over Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Kings scored the game’s first 10 points before pulling away wide in the middle chapters behind a methodical attack, improving their record to 4-5, overtaking the 4-6 Meralco—for now—at the fourth spot in Group B.
Another win against the skidding Blackwater (3-6) in their final game of the eliminations on October 23 shall formalize their entry to the final eight.
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“We put ourselves in a really good position by winning tonight,” said Coach Tim Cone, whose team possesses a superior quotient over the Bossing. “We knew Phoenix had already clinched a playoff spot, so they didn’t have a lot to play for.”
Former MVP Scottie Thompson starred in the win with 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks in his best game this season.
Jordan Murphy submitted 28 points and 13 rebounds as he and Thompson led the crowd darlings’ bounce-back from a deflating loss to Magnolia.
Japeth Aguilar notched a double-double of his own with 12 points and 10 rebounds, with Jeremiah Gray adding 12 as well to lead the bench.
“We came into this game with a sense of urgency,” said Thompson, who earned Player of the Game honors. “Lahat ng players, we really prepared well.”
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Marcellus Earlington finished with 22 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix as he hardly received the kind of help he had in their win against the Bolts.
Ricci Rivero, after leading the way in their 105-101 escape of Meralco with 26 points, only had 10 as Thompson & Co. took turns on him defensively.
Kai Ballungay was the only other player in double figures with 10 as well for the Fuel Masters, who fell to 5-4 and are currently at solo third in Group B, with Rain or Shine now sitting behind the 6-3 Magnolia at no. 2 with a 5-3 card.
Interestingly, Charles Tiu and his men will be taking on the Elasto Painters on October 23 as well, with that match a battle for the best possible seeding.
The Scores:
Ginebra 106 – Thompson 29, Murphy 28, J.Aguilar 12, Gray 12, Rosario 8, Abarrientos 7, R.Aguilar 4, Holt 3, Cu 3, Estil 0, Pinto 0, Abis 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 89 – Earlington 22, Rivero 10, Ballungay 10, Escandor 9, Tuffin 8, Delos Santos 6, Tio 5, Mamuyac 5, Chua 4, Gozum 4, Santos 2, Cullar 2, Ando 2.
Quarterscores: 36-38, 65-45, 86-60, 106-89.
