PBA: Phoenix stuns Ginebra for back-to-back wins

Phoenix guard Tyler Tio goes for a layup against Barangay Ginebra in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Araneta Coliseum. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Phoenix drew huge games from its main cogs when needed and upset Barangay Ginebra on Friday with a 101-93 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Javee Mocon, rookies Tyler Tio and Encho Serrano, Sean Anthony and import Kaleb Wesson came through as the Fuel Masters pulled off an unlikely result that gave them back-to-back victories after a 0-3 start in the midseason conference.

The recent form also came after the PBA was issued a garnishment notice by a Batangas court over complaints of Phoenix’s unpaid debts.

“We’re just embracing hard and trying to get better handling hard,” said coach Topex Robinson, whose team came into the contest having lost all four previous matches against Ginebra since the pandemic began.

Mocon topscored with 20 points, Tio showed why Ginebra coach Tim Cone has been marveling at his performance and produced 17 points and seven assists while fellow second rounder Serrano posted 16 points.

Wesson had 15 points, 17 rebounds and five assists even as Anthony rediscovered his old form following injury-riddled conferences with 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.

Ginebra absorbed a humbling setback, five days after handing the visiting Bay Area Dragons their first loss last Sunday by a convincing margin.

Justin Brownlee was limited to 23 points on 9-of-23 shooting and turned the ball over four times, even showing a rare case of anger after being fouled hard by Phoenix rookie Chris Lalata in the fourth.

The Gin Kings fell to 3-2 with the defeat.

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The scores:

PHOENIX 101 — Mocon 20, Tio 17, Serrano 16, Wesson 15, Anthony 14, Jazul 7, Manganti 5, Garcia 3, Pascual 2, Lojera 2, Camacho 0, Muyang 0, Lalata 0.

GINEBRA 93 — Pringle 25, Brownlee 23, Malonzo 13, Thompson 11, Aguilar J. 7, Tenorio 7, Standhardinger 6, Gray 1, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0.

Quarters: 16-23, 45-48, 74-77, 101-93.