At A Glance
- Phoenix went off to a blistering start then fended off a signature Barangay Ginebra comeback to fashion out a 81-78 escape in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 19.
Phoenix went off to a blistering start then fended off a signature Barangay Ginebra comeback to fashion out a 81-78 escape in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 19.
The Fuel Masters came out like a house on fire, immediately racing to a 28-9 lead before doing just enough to spoil the debut of new Kings import Riley Grigsby and stay undefeated through three games.
BJ Johnson led the way in scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks while Ricci Rivero chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds.
Kai Ballungay and Jason Perkins had 12 and 10, respectively, while newly acquired Gian Mamuyac made a good account of himself with six points and three assists.
The Fuel Masters looked comfortable when they seized a 79-65 lead with a little over four minutes left but the Kings, despite playing without Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee, tried to mount a comeback after head coach Tim Cone got ejected late in the fourth.
Ginebra cut the lead down to three, 78-81, with six ticks left but couldn’t get the game-winner as Jeremiah Grey missed the last second four-pointer.
Grigsby introduced himself to the legion of Ginebra fans after pouring 42 points and 13 rebounds. He, however, lacked the local support as no other Kings finished in double figures.