PBA: Phoenix holds off Ginebra in thriller to rise to 5th place tie

Richard Howell versus Ginebra defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix showed off its heart late in the game as it turned back Barangay Ginebra, 111-103, for its fourth win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fuel Masters rallied down from a 12-point deficit in the first half and survived a nail-biter in the last five minutes against the Gin Kings.

Justin Brownlee carried Ginebra on his back in the final quarter scoring 21 of the Gin Kings’ 22 points, only for the Fuel Masters to foil his plans in the clutch.

Matthew Wright drilled a booming three-pointer, mere seconds after Brownlee hit one himself,  to give the Fuel Masters a 102-98 lead with 4:27 to play.

Wright then put the Fuel Masters up 106-102 with 1:40 left, leaving left Ginebra with enough time to mount a comeback but a couple of blunders ultimately led to the Gin Kings’ demise.

Scottie Thompson was called with a five-second violation with 51.9 seconds left followed by a putback by Jason Perkins, whom Japeth Aguilar failed to box out, to keep Fuel Masters ahead, 108-102, in the final 32.2 seconds en route to the win.

Phoenix’ brilliant stand in the fourth quarter also happened without head coach Louie Alas, who was ejected at the 8:54 mark of the fourth quarter after repeatedly arguing with the referees.

Alas said his ejection was a blessing in disguise for the team since the team needed to start anew after trailing 56-44 after the first half.

“It’s not about the referees, we’re down by 14 in the third quarter and we were able to bounce back and lead by 11,” said Alas, whose team outscored Ginebra 45-25 in the penultimate period.

“I think it was for the best that I got the technical foul and it fired them up, and we also needed to change coaches in the game earlier. I know coach Topex [Robinson] and my staff are capable.”

The Fuel Masters’ win pushed them to a 4-4 record, tying Ginebra and Alaska for the fifth spot.

Richard Howell put up a monster line for Phoenix with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four steals while Wright was on point from the field lighting it up for 32 points, on 10-of-17 shooting, with six assists.

Browlee missed out on a five-by-five with 31 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, six steals, and three blocks for Ginebra.