Japeth Aguilar of Ginebra looks to control the ball against Phoenix in their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup game, September 6, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images

Barangay Ginebra weathered a furious run from Phoenix to claim a 110-101 triumph in their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup showdown, Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Fuel Masters nearly erased a 20-point deficit in the third quarter behind the hot shooting of RR Garcia, before the Gin Kings regained control.

Japeth Aguilar led the way in Ginebra’s third win of the conference with 31 points on 11-of-13 shooting, while Justin Brownlee had a triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists while putting the finishing touches on the win in the final period.

“RR Garcia was incredible. He had like 12 straight points, at least one 4-pointer, and he completely turned the game by itself,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said. “I thought that we’re gonna give these guys, our starters, some rest because we had a big lead. It dissipated in a real hurry due to RR, and it was like a blink on an eye.”

Garcia did most of his damage in the third period, sparking an 18-0 run that allowed the Fuel Masters to get within one point, 74-73, after it appeared that the Gin Kings would cruise to victory.

Phoenix was unable to get over the hump, however. Ginebra responded with a 9-0 run of its own — capped by an Aguilar dunk — and ended the third period with an 87-75 lead thanks to a Stephen Holt triple.

The Fuel Masters would not come closer than seven points the rest of the way, as Brownlee and rookie RJ Abarrientos hit key shots to keep them at bay.

“I thought our guys did a good job in keeping their composure, and once it got to a one-point game, they got back to that mentality,” said Cone.

Holt finished with 19 points and Abarrientos added 16 for the Gin Kings, who shot 50% from the field. They sent the Fuel Masters to their fifth straight loss, keeping them winless, while improving to 3-2 in Group B.

Import Brandone Francis had 33 points, six boards, and four assists for the Fuel Masters, while Garcia finished with 17 — 14 in the third quarter.

The Scores :

GINEBRA 110 – Aguilar 31, Brownlee 23, Holt 19, Abarrientos 16, Thompson 9, Ahankisi 7, Tenorio 3, Go 2, Cu 0, Pinto 0, Garcia 0, Adamos 0, Mariano 0

PHOENIX 101 – Francis 33, Garcia 17, Perkins 13, Mocon 8, Tio 7, Rivero 7, Muyang 5, Jazul 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 2, Verano 2, Daves 2, Alejandro 0, Salado 0, Tuffin 0

QUARTERS: 24-25, 57-46, 87-75, 110-101