PBA: Ginebra clobbers Phoenix to fuel quarterfinal bid

MANILA — Barangay Ginebra breathed life into its quarterfinal bid in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, clobbering Phoenix Super LPG 106-89 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Gin Kings improved to 4-5 in Group B, putting them in pole position against Meralco (4-6) and Blackwater (3-6) in the race for the last playoff spot in their pool.

Scottie Thompson was superb for the Gin Kings, putting up 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting on top of 10 rebounds and six assists, with three steals and two blocks for an all-around performance.

Import Jordan Murphy added 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar also had a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.

The Gin Kings set the tone with a 36-point first quarter and completely broke the game open in the second, pulling away for a 65-45 lead at halftime.

Phoenix had no answer in the second half, with Ginebra’s lead reaching 26 points.

Import Marcellus Earlington had 22 points in a losing effort for the Fuel Masters.

Phoenix, which is already assured of a playoff spot, dropped to 5-4.