PBA: Ginebra takes charge in 2nd half to edge Phoenix in fire-delayed clash

Justin Brownlee got the better of James Dickey in their first head-to-head clash since leaving Pelita Jaya. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--In a game that was momentarily cut off to quickly address a looming danger inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ginebra used a second-half brilliance to shoot down Phoenix, 109-96, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday night.

Conceding 32 points in the second quarter, the Gin Kings turned things around in the final 24 minutes, holding the Fuel Masters to only 19 points in the third period before taking the 32 markers back in the fourth.

Justin Brownlee outplayed his fellow former Pelita Jaya import James Dickey as he led Ginebra, now with back-to-back wins to go up to 4-2, with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.

RJ Abarrientos added 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range, five rebounds, and three assists.

Dickey came close to a 20-20 triple-double as he led Phoenix with 21 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists, but he too committed seven turnovers as the team fell to back-to-back losses after a 3-1 start.

The game was halted late in the first quarter as a fire incident occurred at one of the arena's concessionaire booths, but after about five minutes, the clash resumed, although both teams had to go on despite the smoke.