PBA: Ginebra ‘showing some progress’ after 2nd straight victory

Barangay Ginebra, led by Japeth Aguilar (25), notches its second consecutive win at the expense of Phoenix in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday night.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra, a perennial title contender, finally got a streak going in the PBA Governors’ Cup after a 110-101 thumping of hapless Phoenix on Friday night.

The crowd darlings drew 31 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals from its veteran forward Japeth Aguilar, who matched his fourth career-best scoring output and helped grease the club’s rise to a 3-2 win-loss record in Group B play of the import-laden showcase.

“I thought our guys did a good job of keeping their composure,” said head coach Tim Cone following the triumph at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

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“Yeah, we’re showing some progress. But is the progress enough to beat the elite teams like San Miguel or Rain in our division and Shine who beat us up in the first round? We’re gonna find those things out in the second round,” Cone said.

Resident import Justin Brownlee had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his 14th career triple-double, while Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos delivered 19 and 16 points, respectively.

“The key for us is that we’ve got a couple of games we’ve won together and hopefully we can keep that momentum going into the next round,” said Cone, who will try to start afresh in the next second round where they will battle a Blackwater side which beat them in a close encounter the last time out.

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“That’s going to be—still—a great challenge moving forward,” he added.

Import Brandon Francis had 33 points and six rebounds, while RR Garcia chipped in 17 to go with Jason Perkins’ 13 as the Fuel Masters remain winless in five outings.

Phoenix battles Rain or Shine next.