MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings got a lift from rookie Raphael Cu as they clobbered Phoenix Fuel Masters, 102-92, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Cu, who was selected 23rd overall by the Gin Kings in the recent PBA Rookie Draft, finished with 12 points, built on four three-point conversions, as they improved to a 2-0 win-loss slate.
From a 47-43 score at the half, the Gin Kings opened the third period with consecutive triples from Cu, Nard John Pinto, and Jamie Malonzo for a 66-53 lead. It later grew to 79-62 on connections from Sidney Onwubere and Stanley Pringle.
The Gin Kings continued its rampage in the fourth quarter as the lead reached its biggest at 96-77 on connections from Japeth Aguilar and Jayson David. The Fuel Masters attempted to make a run, but only managed to cut the deficit to 10 points.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” said Cu. “I think this is the most opportunity I’ve had my whole life. Even in college, I was a bench player. I just want to make the most of the opportunities given to me.”
Malonzo led the way for the Gin Kings with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, Pringle added 13 markers, while Pinto and Christian Standhardinger ended with 12 points apiece.
Jason Perkins finished with 14 points to lead the Fuel Masters, Javee Mocon added 13 markers, while Sean Manganti and Kenneth Tuffin had 11 and 10, respectively, as they dropped to 0-2 record.
Meanwhile, Calvin Oftana delivered clutch baskets in the endgame as TNT Tropang Giga pulled off a 100-97 escape over Terrafirma Dyip. Both teams now have 2-1 win-loss slate.
Holding to a slim 92-89 lead late in the fourth quarter, Oftana countered each Dyip conversion with inside baskets as they maintained a 98-95 advantage with over a minute left.
The Dyip cut it to 97-98 on a two-pointer by Juan Miguel Tiongson, but two free throws by Jayson Castro made it a 100-97 count for the Tropang Giha before Tiongson missed a potential game-tying triple.
Castro led the way for the Tropang Giga with 23 points, Oftana and Glenn Khobuntin chipped in 19 markers apiece, while rookie Henry Galinato and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 17 and 11, respectively./PN
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 102 – Malonzo 17, Pringle 13, Cu 12, Pinto 12, Standhardinger 12, J. Aguilar 9, Ahanmisi 7, Pessumal 6, Onwubere 5, David 5, Tenorio 4, Gumaru 0, R. Aguilar 0.
PHOENIX 92 – Perkins 14, Mocon 13, Manganti 11, Tuffin 10, Garcia 9, Jazul 8, Rivero 7, Soyud 6, Alejandro 4, Muyang 4, Daves 2, Verano 2, Camacho 2, Lalata 0.
Quarterscores: 23-24, 47-43, 79-62, 102-92.
