MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings wasted a double-digit lead before escaping with a 101-99 win over Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City.
Justin Brownlee had an all-around game of 34 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks for the Kings, the defending champions. They surged to take a solo first place with a 5-1 win-loss slate.
Joe Devance added 15 markers while Earl Scottie Thompson contributed 12 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for Ginebra, which played without Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Solomon Mercado, and Jervy Cruz.
From a tight exchange early in the first quarter, the Fuel Masters zoomed to a 26-19 lead on baskets from Calvin Abueva. Phoenix were still up 45-39 when the Kings went on a run behind Brownlee and Kevin Ferrer to come to within 49-52 at the half.
In the third period the Kings started strong behind Brownlee and Prince Caperal for their largest lead 78-68. The Fuel Masters answered with their own rally to tie the count 83-all on back-to-back triples by Abueva.
The Fuel Masters took the lead at 87-85 on a conversion from Jason Perkins but the Kings responded with consecutive points from LA Tenorio and Devance for a 100-96 advantage with over a minute left.
Phoenix made their last push on a triple by Matthew Wright to come to within 99-100. After a split free throw by Brownlee, the Fuel Masters had a chance to win but Wright lost the ball to the defense of Brownlee.
Wright led the Fuel Masters (5-2) with 27 points, including 5-of-5 shooting from the 3-point line. Eugene Phelps added double-double 23 points and 13 rebounds./PN
