Barangay Ginebra pulled off another impressive win against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, securing their third straight victory with a final score of 109-89.
Christian Standhardinger continued to show his dominance with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, earning him praise from both coach Tim Cone and his teammates.
Ginebra’s bench players also stepped up, with Von Pessumal leading the charge with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Cone acknowledged the importance of having a strong bench, stating, “As much as our guys are playing well, they need help from the bench. And our guys coming off the bench played well, they’re awesome tonight.”
The Gin Kings put on a dominant display in the second quarter, outscoring the Fuel Masters 31-9 and taking a commanding 59-30 lead at halftime. Phoenix attempted to mount a comeback, but Ginebra’s lead proved insurmountable.
Despite missing key player Japeth Aguilar, the Gin Kings continue to find ways to win, thanks to the impressive performances of Standhardinger, Justin Brownlee, Jamie Malonzo, and Scottie Thompson.
Standhardinger spoke about the team’s efforts to compensate for Aguilar’s absence, saying, “We all know that Japeth is still out, and we have to compensate. One is on rebounding. On other times, I have to go to defending the import, but this time we have to help get the rebounds. And I’m happy everything worked out today.”
Phoenix, on the other hand, failed to secure a ticket to the quarterfinals with the loss, but still maintains a comfortable lead over other pursuers in the standings.
Despite the defeat, Phoenix head coach Topex Robinson remained optimistic, stating, “We still have a chance to make it to the playoffs. We just have to keep fighting and keep grinding.”
Ginebra’s win puts them one step closer to a guaranteed Top 4 finish in the elimination round, with a 6-2 win-loss record. The team will look to continue their winning ways when they face the Meralco Bolts in their next game.
Gin Kings vs Fuelmasters Box Score
Quarters: 28-21, 59-30, 85-69, 109-89
Ginebra 109 – Standhardinger 28, Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, Malonzo 14, Pessumal 14, Gray 11, Pringle 3, Onwubere 3, Pinto 2, Dillinger 0, R.Aguilar 0, David 0, Mariano 0
Phoenix 89 – Maxwell 22, Manganti 15, Mocon 11, Serrano 9, Tio 9, Garcia 6, Perkins 5, Muyang 4, Camacho 2, Adamos 2, Alejandro 2, Jazul 2, Go 0, Lojera 0, Lalata 0