Barangay Ginebra vented its ire and eliminated Phoenix from playoff contention with a 112-96 victory to formally punch its ticket to the quarterfinals in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Sept 18.

The Kings wasted no time in picking up the pieces from their worst loss in franchise history, riding on a fiery start to build a double-digit lead which they managed to protect en route to the convincing victory.

With the win, Ginebra improved to a 6-3 record to join fellow Group B quarterfinalists San Miguel and Rain or Shine while also knocking out Phoenix, which fell to a 1-8 slate, from contention in the process.

Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson set the tone for the rout before guys like RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee and Maverick Ahanmisi followed suit as the Kings led by as many as 21 points in the second half.

Abarrientos led the way for Ginebra with a conference-high of 24, built on three triples and a four to go along with his five rebounds and five assists, while Thompson had an all-around effort of 20 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Aguilar, who spearheaded the attack for the Kings early on, poured 17 of his 21 points in the first half while Brownlee was content facilitating with only 13 points but had nine assists. 

Ahanmisi was the other double-digit scorer with 12 while Stephen Holt, who was part of the initial offensive barrage, had nine.

The Kings came out swinging in the opening frame, taking a 12-point cushion, 36-24, after the first 12 minutes of the game. 

Phoenix closed in to seven points, 38-31, in the second quarter but that proved to be the closest they could get as Ginebra retaliated with its own run to establish a 61-42 lead and never looked back since then.

Jason Perkins and Sean Manganti led Phoenix with 18 apiece while import Brandone Francis had 17. Rookie Kai Ballungay also had 16 in a losing effort.