MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings kept their quarterfinal aspirations alive behind Earl Scottie Thompson’s conference-best 29-point explosion, crushing Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 106-89, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Gin Kings delivered a dominant performance from start to finish to improve their win-loss record to 4-5 and remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth.
Thompson spearheaded Ginebra’s crucial victory with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while import Jordan Murphy provided solid support with a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar and Jeremiah Gray contributed 12 points apiece as the Gin Kings overwhelmed the Fuel Masters with their offensive firepower and defensive intensity.
Determined to avoid another setback, Ginebra immediately imposed its will on Phoenix, racing to a 36-28 advantage in the opening quarter before adding 29 points in the second period to establish a commanding halftime lead.
The Gin Kings further tightened their defensive grip in the third quarter, holding the Fuel Masters to just 15 points while stretching their advantage to as many as 26 points.
Phoenix failed to mount a serious comeback as Ginebra maintained control throughout the final period to secure the much-needed victory.
Import Marcellus Earlington paced the Fuel Masters with 22 points, while Ricci Rivero and Kai Ballungay chipped in 10 points each.
The defeat dropped Phoenix to a 5-4 record, complicating its bid to strengthen its position in the quarterfinal race.
Meanwhile, the Converge FiberXers secured the third seed in Group A after Alec Stockton delivered a dramatic game-winning basket in overtime to lift his squad past TNT Tropang 5G, 114-112.
With the score tied at 112 following a basket by TNT’s Jordan Heading, Stockton penetrated the Tropang 5G defense and converted a difficult layup with 11 seconds remaining to give the FiberXers the decisive two-point advantage.
TNT had one final opportunity to extend the contest, but Converge’s defense prevented import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from attempting a potential game-tying shot.
Stockton finished with 19 points, while import Cameron Clark powered the FiberXers with 27 points.
Juan Gomez de Liaño contributed 22 points, Justine Baltazar added 19, and Jonnel Policarpio chipped in 10 as Converge closed its group-stage campaign with an 8-4 record.
The victory assured the FiberXers of the third seed in Group A heading into the quarterfinals, while TNT settled for fourth place with a 7-5 record./PN
