PHOENIX Super LPG caught another big fish in an impressive start to its 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign, edging reigning champion Barangay Ginebra, 82-77, on Saturday at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.
The Fuel Masters found their touch in the final quarter, hitting five threes to wipe out a 58-63 deficit before weathering a late Gin Kings rally to pull their fifth successive win in the season's maiden offering.
READ Nards Pinto suffers suspected broken nose in collision with Phoenix import
At 6-1 (win-loss), Phoenix is right behind unbeaten leader Magnolia - not a place pundits expect coach Jamike Jarin's team to be after a low-key offseason.
Ginebra saw a three-game win streak come to an end and fell to 4-2 (win-loss) when import Tony Bishop missed a three-pointer with the Kings down by three, 80-77.
Johnathan Williams hit two free throws to seal the Phoenix win and highlight a solid 24-point, 23-rebound performance.
Kenneth Tuffin added 18 points including a critical three-pointer that pushed Phoenix’s lead to 80-72 with 2:35 left in the game.
Ginebra led 57-48 in the third quarter but let the game slip away. Bishop had 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Jamie Malonzo contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds for Ginebra, which dropped to fifth place in the team standings.
Nards Pinto left the game in the first half after suffering a suspected dislocated nose following a scramble for the loose ball against Williams.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 82 – Williams 24, Tuffin 18, Alejandro 10, Perkins 9, Tio 7, Muyang 7, Jazul 3, Rivero 2, Garcia 2, Manganti 0, Soyud 0, Lalata 0, Mocon 0, Daves 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.
Barangay Ginebra 77 – Bishop 21, Malonzo 20, Standhardinger 12, Cu 6, J. Aguilar 5, Tenorio 5, Ahanmisi 4, Pinto 3, Pringle 1.
Quarters: 22-20; 36-43; 58-63; 82-77.
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