Ginebra denies Phoenix outright entry to PBA Govs' Cup QFs behind Q2 shutdown

Christian Standhardinger led the way anew for the Gin Kings. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Ginebra delayed Phoenix's entry to the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals a bit with a 109-89 win on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings smothered the Fuel Masters in the second quarter, outscoring them, 31-9, to build a 59-30 halftime lead.

Phoenix somehow got its offense going in the third quarter with a 39-point blast, but it was not enough to pull off a comeback.

Christian Standhardinger came close to a triple-double with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists alongside one steal for Ginebra, which moved up to 6-2 and got a huge momentum in the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

Justin Brownlee added 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks, while Jeremiah Gray chipped in 11 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and one block off the bench.

Du'Vaughn Maxwell put up 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks for Phoenix, which fell to 4-6.

A win would have given the team the last outright quarterfinal seat and will now have to earn it on Sunday night against Meralco at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 109 – Standhardinger 28, Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, Malonzo 14, Pessumal 14, Gray 11, Pringle 3, Onwubere 3, Pinto 2, Dillinger 0, R.Aguilar 0, David 0, Mariano 0

PHOENIX 89 – Maxwell 22, Manganti 15, Mocon 11, Serrano 9, Tio 9, Garcia 6, Perkins 5, Muyang 4, Camacho 2, Adamos 2, Alejandro 2, Jazul 2, Go 0, Lojera 0, Lalata 0

QUARTERS: 28-21, 59-30, 85-69, 109-89

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