PBA: Ginebra eases past Phoenix for semifinals ticket

SCHEDULE: 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Quarterfinals

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during a game vs Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra barely broke a sweat en route to its PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals win over Phoenix, 112-81, at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Friday.

The Gin Kings turned to Justin Brownlee anew and the longtime import finished with 24 points, five rebounds and five assists to help boot the Fuel Masters out of the playoffs.

But for coach Tim Cone, it was Ginebra’s locals who truly secured the team’s semifinal berth.

“I just thought we executed at a high level even when Justin left the floor [at times],” he said. “We generated a lot of open looks, the ball moved and defensively, I felt we gave up a lot of layups but in the second quarter, we cleaned that up.”

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a game vs Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

True to Cone’s words, Scottie Thompson did a little bit of everything in the Gin Kings’ win with a near triple-double of 16 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. RJ Abarrientos also had 16 while Stephen Holt scored 11.

“I think, for us it’s a total team effort,” said Thompson. “There’s still a lot more to improve on. Our coaches, though, prepared us well.”

Phoenix barely threatened in the lopsided defeat, with Ricci Rivero leading the team with 15 points. Import Johnathan Williams III, meanwhile, registered a double-double of 13 points.

Up next for the Gin Kings in the semifinals is Rain or Shine, which earlier defeated San Miguel Beer, 113-104.

In the elimination round, Ginebra routed the Elasto Painters, 114-90.