PBA: Ginebra crushes Phoenix for third straight win
Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger against Phoenix defenders. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra extended its winning streak to three games after walloping Phoenix, 109-89, on Friday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Christian Standhardinger came up with another big performance while rarely-used Von Pessumal took advantage of the heavy minutes during the lopsided affair that ended with the Gin Kings improving to 6-2.
Ginebra, still in third place, boosted its chances of nabbing a twice-to-beat advantage given to the top four teams entering the quarterfinals.
The Gin Kings won the second of a busy week of three games, with the Converge FiberXers next on Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Standhardinger had 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists to continue a recent run of form in which the Commissioner’s Cup Finals Most Valuable Player has taken advantage of his increased role with Japeth Aguilar still out with an injury.
Pessumal came off the bench to score 14, doubling the point output he had this conference.
Justin Brownlee added 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the Gin Kings while Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and rookie Jeremiah Gray also got into double figures.
Phoenix dropped to 4-6 but kept its hold on eighth spot in the standings. The Fuel Masters would have secured the last quarters berth with a win.
The Fuel Masters conclude the eliminations on Sunday against the Meralco Bolts.
WATCH: LA Tenorio talks during a pregame huddle before Barangay Ginebra takes on Phoenix tonight at Smart Araneta Coliseum. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/rYX1Lvq3bi
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 3, 2023
