Gin Kings stymie Fuel Masters for second straight win

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time this PBA Philippine Cup, Barangay Ginebra strung together consecutive victories.

The Gin Kings won their second straight game in the All-Filipino Conference after keeping the “very dangerous” Phoenix Fuel Masters at bay, 119-112, Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar paced Ginebra, with the former pouring in 25 points, four rebounds and three assists, and the latter chalking up 24 markers and seven boards.

Stephen Holt chipped in 18 points, while Scottie Thompson had a double-double of 17 markers and 13 assists.

“Phoenix is a really, really dangerous team. They are very dangerous. Their coaching staff is extremely creative in their approach. You don't know what they're going to throw at you. They do a lot of different defenses. And they play a unique lineup where they're playing like four power forwards to start the game,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said.

The Fuel Masters had a tall starting lineup, with Jason Perkins, Ken Tuffin, Kai Ballungay, Simon Camacho and Tyler Tio getting the starting nod.

Phoenix actually led by three, 27-24, in the first quarter and was within striking distance early on in the third quarter, trailing by just five, 56-61, after a 3-pointer by Tio.

But Ginebra broke the game wide open with a 20-7 run capped by a Troy Rosario free throw to grab an 81-63 edge.

With the Gin Kings firmly ahead, they were able to answer run after run by Phoenix.

Ginebra’s lead grew to as much as 22 points, 108-86, after a triple by Von Pessumal with 4:45 remaining.

It was a big enough lead to have late, as Phoenix’s comeback attempt came up short.

The Fuel Masters were able to slice the deficit to just 10 but it came up too late as it came within the final minute.

“I thought we played an absolutely fantastic game against them until the last couple of minutes, last four, maybe three or four minutes with the second group. And that got a little sloppy. But aside from that, I thought we played a really good game on both sides of the floor,” Cone said.

The coach added that they will talk about squandering the in the locker room and in practice.

“I thought we just didn't make a real big effort to get the ball and secure the ball while we were in the last group. And so that's certainly something we're going to talk about. It's not something we're going to dwell on, but it certainly needs to be talked about and make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Jamie Malonzo had 15 points, four rebounds, three assiswts, two steals and a block for Ginebra.

Perkins spearheaded Phoenix with 28 points, five rebounds and five assists, while RJ Jazul had 18. Tuffin, Tio and Ballungay posted 17, 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Ginebra, which rose to 4-2 this season, will be back in action next Saturday against Blackwater. The 2-5 Phoenix, which lost back-to-back games, will try to get back on track against Rain or Shine on Wednesday.