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Phoenix downs Ginebra to seize solo second

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Phoenix assured itself of at least a playoff for a PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal spot after beating Ginebra, 79-73, in a pivotal elimination round game at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday night.

The Fuel Masters shut down the Barangay in offense, limiting them to only 26 points in the first half, while Matt Wright exploded in the second half to keep them at bay.

Wright scored all of his 18 points in the last 24 minutes with five rebounds, five assists, and one steal for Phoenix, which moved up to solo second spot at 6-4.

JC Intal added a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds while capping a solid all-around performance with one assist, two steals, and two blocks.

LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa each pitched in 15 markers for Ginebra, which fell to a tie with Blackwater for seventh place at 5-5.

Box Scores:

Phoenix 79-Wright 18, Intal 16, Enciso 11, W. Wilson 10, J. Wilson 8, Lanete 5, Torres 5, Baguio 3, Borboran 2, Miranda 1, Caperal 0, Alolino 0

Ginebra 73-Tenorio 15, Caguioa 15, Thompson 10, Marcelo 10, Devance 8, Ferrer 7, Mercado 3, Cruz 3, Ellis 2, Taha 0, Helterbrand 0

Quarterscores: 17-10, 38-26, 57-47, 79-73

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