Ginebra cruises past Phoenix, stays undefeated in PBA bubble

Barangay Ginebra sustained its hot start, squashing the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 86-71, to stay unbeaten at 4-0 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Wednesday, October 31.

Stanley Pringle led the way for the Gin Kings, dropping 20 points in the game that saw them in full control.

“We just wanted to get to a good start. We’re just taking it game by game, focusing on getting better and improving every day,” said Pringle.

“Honestly, we didn’t expect to go 4-0 but we’ll take it,” added Pringle as Ginebra tied TNT at the top spot.

After entering the 4th period leading by 10, 64-54, the Gin Kings were able to stretch their lead to as many as 21 points, 86-65, late in the quarter that proved too much for the Fuel Masters to overcome. 

Prince Caperal continued his stellar play for the Gin Kings as he contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson added 13 and 11 points, respectively. 

Jason Perkins topscored for the Fuel Masters with 15 points along with 8 rebounds as the Gin Kings were able to hold Phoenix star Matthew Wright to just 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting, after averaging 30 points in his first 3 outings.

“Obviously, we played really good defense. I thought we played really well against Matthew Wright especially,” said coach Tim Cone after limiting Wright and the Fuel Masters to just 71 points the whole ball game. 

The Fuel Masters dropped to 2-2 in the standings after a fiery 2-0 start in the bubble. 

The Scores:

Ginebra 86 – Pringle 20, Caperal 14, Aguilar 13, Thompson 11, Tenorio 9, Devance 8, Tolentino 5, Mariano 4, Dillinger 2, Chan 0, Balanza 0, Salado 0. 

Phoenix 71 – Perkins 15, Wright 12, Chua 11, Intal 9, Heruela 7, Garcia 5, Jazul 5, Rios 3, Marcelo 2, Napoles 2, Reyes 0, Gamboa 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 47-36, 64-54, 86-71.

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com