Ginebra's Justin Brownlee puts up a shot against Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, December 13, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images
MANILA -- Barangay Ginebra limited Phoenix to a paltry seven points in the final quarter en route to a 94-72 victory in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, Friday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Leading by a relatively slim six points, 71-65, after the third frame, the Gin Kings clamped down defensively in the final period to douse the Fuel Masters' fire.
RJ Abarrientos scored six of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, while Scottie Thompson led the Gin kings with 17 points and six rebounds. Justin Brownlee had 10 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds while playing only 32 minutes.
"I felt RJ led that second group and extended the lead and kind of blowing the game out, so that we could spend time resting Justin," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone after the game.
"Not having to play heavy minutes, that's one of our goals in this elimination -- not to overplay Justin, keep him fresh for the playoffs," he added.
Phoenix went completely cold in the fourth quarter, bricking even point-blank attempts. They made just three of 24 field goals, missing all 10 of their shots from the 3- and 4-point lines.
Import Donovan Smith finished with 20 points but was scoreless in the fourth, while Ken Tuffin went 6-of-8 for 15 points.
The Gin Kings improved to 2-0 in the tournament, while Phoenix remained winless in four games.
The Scores :
GINEBRA 94 – Thompson 17, J.Aguilar 16, Rosario 14, Abarrientos 12, Brownlee 10, Cu 8, Holt 5, Ahanmisi 5, Pinto 5, Mariano 2, Adamos 0, Pessumal 0, R.Aguilar 0
PHOENIX 72 – Smith 20, Tuffin 15, Perkins 10, Tio 7, Ballungay 7, Rivero 4, Manganti 4, Verano 3, Salado 2, Alejandro 0, Jazul 0, Camacho 0, Garcia 0, Soyud 0, Ular 0
QUARTERS : 23-28, 47-48, 71-65, 94-72