Ginebra Turns Back Phoenix with Huge Closing Run, 102–93
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel dug deep in the clutch and stormed back from behind to defeat the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 102–93, on Sunday night in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Down 85–77 midway through the fourth quarter and at risk of absorbing another tough loss, the Gin Kings instead responded with the poise of a seasoned contender. RJ Abarrientos, Norberto Torres, Troy Rosario, Stephen Holt, and Scottie Thompson engineered a 7–0 run to trim the deficit 85-84, and 12-0 finishing kick that completely flipped the momentum and saved Ginebra from a late collapse.
A Ken Tuffin basket had briefly given Phoenix a 91–88 lead with just over three minutes left, but Ginebra’s finishing burst shut the door for good.
Abarrientos tied the game at 91-all with a cold-blooded triple, setting the tone for the comeback. Rosario then followed up with two crucial plays: a timely putback to regain the lead and a key kick-out that set up Holt’s dagger three with 49.3 seconds left, pushing Ginebra ahead, 96–91.
From there, the trio iced the win at the free-throw line, sealing a 25–8 closing run that turned an eight-point deficit into a much-needed victory. Ginebra moved to 3–4 heading into the FIBA break, tying Meralco for seventh place and boosting NLEX and Rain or Shine into the quarterfinals with the result.
Abarrientos led the charge with 25 points, while Thompson delivered a strong all-around outing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Four other Gin Kings also finished in double figures as Ginebra overcame Phoenix’s spirited comeback attempt.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Statistically, Ginebra found its rhythm at the right time. The Gin Kings shot 45% (36/80) from the field and a solid 40.7% (11/27) from three — a massive edge over Phoenix’s 18.2% (6/33) clip from long range. They also held slim advantages in rebounds (52–49) and outscored the Fuel Masters’ starters, 74–53.
Phoenix, which slipped to 2–6 and outside the playoff cut, was paced by Ricci Rivero’s 28 points, but the Fuel Masters couldn’t buy a basket when it mattered most. Jason Perkins added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in the losing effort.
The Gin Kings aim to build momentum when they face Blackwater Bossing on December 10, while Phoenix will try to regroup quickly before its own meeting with Blackwater on December 6.
The Scores:
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
Quarter Scores: 27-19, 50-42, 75-50, 102-93
