Things should have been satisfying for Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone after his Kings tabbed the third twice-to-beat incentive at the expense of Columbian, 113-90, on Friday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
But the prospect of a tough quarterfinal matchup has the Grand Slam mentor wary.
“I don’t know we could move farther than we are. But eventually we’re going to play one of our sister teams,” said Cone, whose charges improved to 7-3.
“San Miguel and Magnolia—those are the last teams you want to meet. You don’t get to choose. So we’ll dance whoever dance card we get,” Cone said.
Three Gin Kings had 20 or more, including Jeff Chan, who had a conference-best 20 points built on a highly efficient shooting performance off the bench. Justin Brownlee fired 26 while Stanley Pringle added 20.
Japeth Aguilar and Art dela Cruz added 19 and 16, respectively, to help fill the void left by a hurt Greg Slaughter.
Khapri Alston led the way for the Dyip, scoring 34 points and plucking 22 boards.
Matthew Wright cranked it up late, scoring Phoenix’s last nine points in regulation before stroking the game-winning triple in the extra period for a 120-117 victory over Blackwater in the earlier game.
“That’s very bold of him,” coach Louie Alas said of his franchise player, who ended up with 28 points following a terrible start to the game.
Alonzo Gee had a team-best 34 points while RR Garcia added 17 as Phoenix snapped a five-game slide—the effort came late, though, as the Fuel Masters are already eliminated.