Aguilar, Brownlee star as Gin Kings stymie Fuel Masters

MANILA, Philippines -- Japeth Aguilar and Justin Brownlee had big performances for Barangay Ginebra, leading the Gin Kings to their second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup -- at the expense of the free-falling Phoenix Fuel Masters, 110-101, Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The 37-year-old Aguilar had one of the finest scoring nights of his career, shooting 11-of-13 from the field for 31 points.

Brownlee, for his part, scattered a triple double with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Ginebra thwarted a furious rally by Phoenix, who erased a 20-point lead, 68-48, in the third quarter.

The Fuel Masters went to within one point, 74-73, with a 25-6 run capped by a layup by RR Garcia.

Ginebra, though, retaliated with a 13-2 blitz of their own to regain a 12-point lead, 87-75, heading into the fourth quarter.

This was enough separation to keep the Gin Kings’ distance all the way through.

Phoenix tried to rise from the ashes, cutting the lead to seven, 98-105, with 3:28 remaining after a Javee Mocon layup.

RJ Abarrientos and Brownlee, however, hit big shots in succeeding possessions to keep the Fuel Masters at bay.

“I thought our guys did a good job of keeping their composure. Once they got to a one point game, they got back to the mentality of playing possession by possession and focusing on the defense and we were able to make another run, ironically with Justin off the floor,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said.

“So, that showed some really good character,” he added.

Stephen Holt provided the spark with 19 points and four rebounds for the Gin Kings. Abarrientos added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Brandone Francis paced Phoenix with 33 points, six rebounds and four assists, but had five turnovers and shot 10-of-24 from the field.

Garcia and Jason Perkins chipped in 17 and 13 markers, respectively.

Ginebra rose to 3-2, tied with San Miguel at the second seed of Group B. Phoenix dropped to the bottom of the cellar with 0-5.