Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos in action.
MANILA – After a tough 49-point defeat at the hands of San Miguel on Sunday, it was Barangay Ginebra’s turn to dominate a basketball rival in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Gin Kings bounced back big time by thrashing Phoenix, 112-96, on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, in the process securing themselves a quarterfinal berth.
It was all Ginebra from the get-go as the cogs of Tim Cone orchestrated an 18-5 run in the opening salvo and never looked back.
The squad did not need fueling up from the coaching staff, asserted the decorated mentor, as the humbling loss was a motivation in itself coming into this match.
“Well, I don’t think I have to fire them up very much because the game we came up against San Miguel, we’re all disappointed with that game,” said Cone during the postgame interview. “Basically, we’re ashamed of that game.”
“I think we’re really motivated to come back and play a better game tonight,” Cone went on.
That reflected on the stat sheet as five Ginebra players were in double-digit territory, led by RJ Abarrientos who dropped 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Japeth Aguilar had 21 points, Scottie Thompson had 20-piece, Justin Brownlee collected 13 points, and Maverick Ahanmisi also chipped in 12 markers.
Jason Perkins and Sean Manganti had 18 points each to pace the losing side.
The Fuel Masters are now out of contention for a playoff spot after the defeat.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 112 – Abarrientos 24, J.Aguilar 21, Thompson 20, Brownlee 13, Ahanmisi 12, Holt 9, R.Aguilar 4, Mariano 3, Pessumal 3, Adamos 2, Garcia 1, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0
PHOENIX 96 – Perkins 18, Manganti 18, Francis 17, Ballungay 16, Tuffin 9, Tio 6, Verano 4, Muyang 3, Soyud 3, Salado 2, Alejandro 0, Rivero 0, Ular 0, Jazul 0, Daves 0, Garcia 0
QUARTERS: 36-24, 61-45, 90-75, 112-96
