Phoenix outlasts Ginebra in double overtime

MANILA, Philippines — Sharpshooters Jeff Chan and Matthew Wright came through in the clutch to help Phoenix edge a resilient Barangay Ginebra in double overtime, 103-98, in the nightcap of Sunday’s PBA skirmishes at the Big Dome.

Chan uncorked a triple, followed by Wright’s back-to-back jumpers to sap whatever’s left in the Gin Kings’ tanks in the final moments of the game. 

The pair combined for 41 points to go with temporary import Eugene Phelp’s 25 points.

Phelps, an old reliable to the franchise, was filling in for a hurt James White. He corralled 14 boards and dished out seven assists but failed to see the game through as he battled with cramps.

“We needed that game,” said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas, who bared that they have been practicing for end-game situation following a loss to NLEX nearly two weeks ago. 

“Right from the start, broken down agad ‘yung defensive schemes namin eh,” Alas said of the unproductive outing.

Japeth Aguilar led all of Barangay Ginebra in scoring, dropping 25 points including a triple that sent the game to the first extra period. Joe Devance figured in that second extra session effort but his personal production alone was not enough to power the Gin Kings past the Fuel Masters. 

While the soft-spoken tactician said that surviving a stacked Gin Kings squad in double overtime is a big win, Phoenix should not be resting on its laurels as they have the retooled San Miguel Beer as their next assignment.

The win hikes the Fuel Masters’s record to three wins and two losses. Sunday’s win over Ginebra marks the second time they have defeated Tim Cone and the crowd darlings in the elimination phase.

The Gin Kings, on the other hand, dropped to 1-3. They face their Governors’ Cup rival Meralco Bolts next.

The scores: 

PHOENIX 103 - Phelps 25, Chan 22, Wright 19, Perkins 12, Jazul 12, Chua 4, Kramer 4, Intal 3, Wilson 2, Revilla 0.

BARANGAY GINEBRA 98 - Aguilar 25, Garcia 19, Thompson 17, Slaughter 14, Devance 10, Tenorio 9, Taha 2, Mariano 2, Caguioa 0, Ferrer 0. 

Quarterscores:  21-16, 46-30, 64-62, 85-85, 92-92, 103-98 (2OT).