BARANGAY Ginebra finally seized its first win in the PBA on Tour, beating Phoenix Super LPG, 95-89, on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Nards Pinto tallied 22 points and seven assists while Aljon Mariano had 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Gin Kings ended a two-game losing spell.
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Jayson David and Raymond Aguilar had 15 points apiece while nailing crucial shots in the end game to preserve the win.
Phoenix lost its third straight time in the preseason series after a 2-0 start.
Ginebra, composed mainly of its second stringers and reserve players for the PBA on Tour campaign, led by as many as 12 points.
David scored on a putback and Aguilar drained a jumper with 1:17 left to give Ginebra a 93-86 lead, thwarting a Phoenix comeback.
RJ Jazul had 18 points and six assists, while Reden Celda added 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in his best game in the PBA on Tour since being acquired by Phoenix from NLEX in a trade.
The Fuel Masters missed a golden opportunity to keep the game close when Larry Muyang missed a breakaway slam that led to the David follow-up in the final two-minute mark.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 95 – Pinto 22, Mariano 18, David 15, R. Aguilar 15, Gumaru 6, Onwubere 6, Aurin 6, Pessumal 4, Gray 3, Salcedo 0, Cu 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 89 – Jazul 18, Celda 17, Mocon 14, Muyang 13, Lalata 11, Soyud 8, Fetalvero 3, Atienza 3, Rangel 0.
Quarters: 26-26; 47-47; 78-68; 95-89.
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