MANILA – Barangay Ginebra scored its first win in the PBA on Tour preseason series after beating Phoenix Fuel Masters, 95-89, on Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Gin Kings came alive in the third quarter, dropping 31 points on the Fuel Masters to break a 47-all halftime logjam and take a 78-68 lead.
Ginebra then kept Phoenix at bay in the fourth quarter despite the latter's efforts to mount a late comeback.
John Pinto led the Gin Kings with 22 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Aljon Mariano added 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.
RJ Jazul led the Fuel Masters with 18 points, four rebounds, six assists and one steal.
In the first game, Rashawn McCarthy's 30 points turned out to be enough to lift Blackwater Bossing past Converge FiberXers, 102-97.
The Bossing played solid in the second half to hold off the FiberXers, who got a monster output as well from Justin Arana.
McCarthy also put up five rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block for Blackwater, while Rey Suerte and Baser Amer each added 12 markers.
Arana had 32 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks for a depleted Converge club that even saw assistant coach McJour Luib finally making his PBA playing debut. (PNA)
