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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Ginebra eyes back-to-back wins against Phoenix

Ginebra eyes back-to-back wins against Phoenix

Published May 15, 2025 08:25 am  |  Updated May 15, 2025 01:38 pm

At A Glance

  • Barangay Ginebra looks to make its first win streak of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup against a Phoenix team aiming to get back on track Friday, May 16 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Barangay Ginebra looks to make its first win streak of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup against a Phoenix team aiming to get back on track Friday, May 16, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Sporting a 3-2 record, the Kings’ conference has been rollercoaster ride so far and the wards of head coach Tim Cone are determined to get back-to-back wins against the Fuel Masters (2-4) in the main event at 7:30 p.m.

Setting up the table is another interesting clash between Converge and NorthPort in the first offering at 5 p.m.

Ginebra certainly has the momentum heading into the contest especially after an 85-66 triumph over Converge in an out-of-town game in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Veteran center Japeth Aguilar proved he has plenty of gas left in the tank as he held his own against the rising twin towers of the FiberXers in Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar. He finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.

Against the Fuel Masters, the 38-year-old slotman will be challenged by the veteran-rookie combination of Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay who has been having a breakout conference so far.

The battle, however, won’t only be underneath the rim as there’s also a brewing duel between the two team’s playmakers with Ginebra banking on Scottie Thompson as well as rookie RJ Abarrientos while Phoenix has Tyler Tio, RJ Jazul and RR Garcia.

Talent, though, should also be on the side of Ginebra with Stephen Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi and Jamie Malonzo all capable contributors at any given night.

Meanwhile in the opener, the FiberXers are looking to bounce back from the earlier setback at the hands of the Kings, snapping their four-game winning run.

Baltazar and Arana are expected to provide the point of attack inside the paint while Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton from the perimeter against the Batang Pier who are looking to arrest a four-game losing skid without last conference’s Best Player of the Conference winner Arvin Tolentino.

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