MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings once again proved why they remain the league’s most dangerous “never-say-die” squad, unleashing a blistering finishing kick to overturn an eight-point deficit and defeat the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 102-93, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Sunday night at the UST QPav in Manila.
What looked like another inconsistent outing for the Gin Kings quickly transformed into a statement win as Ginebra outscored Phoenix, 25-8 in the final stretch, anchored by a poised, fearless performance from Rhon Jay Abarrientos.
Trailing 77-85 deep in the fourth, Abarrientos triggered the comeback with two free throws before Torres drilled a three-pointer to pull Ginebra to 82-85. Jeth Troy Rosario and Earl Scottie Thompson traded baskets with Kai Ballungay and Kenneth Tuffin until Abarrientos tied the game at 91-all with a cold-blooded jumper.
Ginebra seized control for the first time in the quarter at 93-91 after Rosario converted a putback. A booming triple from Stephen Holt and steady free throws from Abarrientos sealed the Kings’ third win in seven outings.
Abarrientos finished with 25 points, 13 of which came in the first half, along with four rebounds and three assists. Thompson piled up 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Holt, Rosario, Jeremiah Gray, and Japeth Aguilar added 17, 14, 12, and 11 markers, respectively.
Ricci Rivero fired a career-high 28 points to lead Phoenix, which fell to 3-6. Jason Perkins posted 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Ballungay and Tyler Tio added 12 each, and Tuffin chipped in 10.
In the other game, the NLEX Road Warriors surged to a share of the top spot after closing with a punishing 9-0 run to down the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 92-83.
With the game tied at 83-all following a Joshua Munzon basket, Robert Bolick Jr. responded with a dagger three-pointer. Dominick Fajardo followed with a crucial basket for an 88-83 lead. After back-to-back misses from Titan, Xyrus Torres and Jayvee Mocon iced the victory from the line.
Bolick was unstoppable with 36 points and 10 assists, while JB Bahio added 20 points and 11 rebounds as NLEX improved to 6-2. Titan dropped to 2-6./PN
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 102 – Abarrientos 25, Thompson 19, Holt 17, Rosario 14, Gray 13, J. Aguilar 11, Torres 3, Estil 0, David 0, Pinto 0, Cu 0.
PHOENIX 93 – Rivero 28, Perkins 17, Ballungay 12, Tio 12, Tuffin 10, Jazul 4, Nelle 2, Ando 2, Caperal 2, Daves 2, Santos 2, Garcia 0, Manganti 0, Escandor 0, Kwekuteye 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 50-42, 75-70, 102-93.
