Gin Kings dominate Fuel Masters for back-to-back wins

Brgy. Ginebra dominated defensively and overwhelmed Phoenix, 94-72, securing their second victory in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, Dec. 13.

The Gin Kings executed an impressive defensive strategy, restricting the Fuel Masters to a mere seven points in the final quarter, effectively dismantling their hopes for a comeback and elevating their record to 2-0 after a successful opening game against the NLEX Road Warriors just last Wednesday.

In a commanding fourth quarter, Ginebra poured in 26 points, extending their lead to as much as 26 points during the contest.

Scottie Thompson spearheaded the Kings with a stellar performance, contributing 17 points and six rebounds. Japeth Aguilar was also a force, adding 16 points and grabbing six rebounds. Newcomer Troy Rosario chipped in 14 points, while RJ Abarrientos made his mark by scoring half of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, igniting a decisive surge for the Kings. Although Justin Brownlee had a quieter night with 10 points, he still made significant contributions with seven rebounds and seven assists.

The last conference’s runners-up entered the final frame with a slim six-point lead at 71-65, but quickly unleashed 12 unanswered points to start the quarter, effectively breaking the game open.

Brgy. Ginebra continued to push forward, maintaining their momentum as Donovan Smith’s commendable 20-point, 15-rebound performance for Phoenix ultimately fell short. The Fuel Masters now find themselves winless through four games.

Ken Tuffins and Jayson Perkins made notable contributions for the Fuel Masters with 15 and 10 points, respectively, but they struggled to counter the Gin Kings’ explosive rally in the fourth quarter.

The scores:

Brgy. 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.

Quarterscores: 23-28, 47-48, 71-65, 94-72.