Gin Kings rebound, trounce Fuel Masters
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra returned to the win column after pulling away late against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 102-93, in their PBA Philippine Cup clash Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Gin Kings rose to 3-4 after getting the win, which came after they lost three of their last four. Phoenix, on the other hand, dropped to 2-5 after losing an eight-point fourth quarter lead.
RJ Abarrientos provided the spark for Ginebra with 25 points, four assists and three rebounds on 6-of-12 field goals and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Scottie Thompson filled up the statsheet with 19 markers, 10 boards, six dimes and three steals.
“It was a big win for our confidence. Like I said, to play the fourth quarter and, you know, get that monkey off our back. We know the expectations we have for this team, we’re not living up to it right now. We know that. But we're just trying to stick to learning and getting better,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said after the game.
After trailing by five, 75-70, heading into the fourth quarter, Phoenix uncorked a 15-2 run capped by a free throw by Jason Perkins to grab an 85-77 lead.
But seven straight points, capped by a Troy Rosario layup, made it a one-point game, as the game became too close to call late.
After a layup by Ken Tuffin gave the Fuel Masters a 91-88 lead, RJ Abarrientos hit a triple to tie things up and jolt the Gin Kings.
This sparked a 14-5 finishing kick by Ginebra, as Rosario, Holt and Abarrientos put the icing on the cake.
Holt produced 17 points and nine rebounds, while Rosario had 14 markers. Jeremiah Gray and Japeth Aguilar chipped in 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
Ricci Rivero’s career-high 28 points went down the drain for Phoenix. Perkins produced 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Fuel Masters.
“It's one of the things we talk about, we don't look at the standings. We try not to focus on the standings. We try to focus on the game, the next game, what we got to do. Focus on our process, what it takes for us to win,” Cone said.
“And, no, it's more important now than it's ever been, now that we're in the position that we're in. We just worry about the next game.”
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