Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rode on a strong start and some Scottie Thompson heroics on their way to a 106-89 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. With the win, Ginebra all but sealed a spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals with its fourth win as against five losses.
What Happened?
Ginebra scored the first 10 points of the game—six from Thompson and four from Jordan Murphy—to seize control from the get-go. Murphy added eight more, while Jeremiah Gray chipped in five off the bench to help the barangay to a 36-28 lead after one.
It was more of the same come the second canto, with Thompson continuing his inspired play and Murphy bullying his way inside. After one half, Ginebra was ahead, 65-45, as it played with the sense of urgency of a team wanting to stay alive.
Things didn’t get any better for Phoenix in the third, with Ginebra holding Charles Tiu’s boys to just 15 points while scoring 21 to take an 86-60 lead into the final frame. The reigning Commissioner’s Cup champs continued the onslaught in the first five minutes of the fourth as they cruised to the big win.
Who Stood Out?
Thompson was in playoff mode on Sunday, going off for a conference-high 29 points on 9-for-13 shooting on top of 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Murphy, meanwhile, tallied 28 points and 13 rebounds, while Gray added 12 points off the bench. Japeth Aguilar also had one of his better games in the Governors’ Cup after finishing with 12 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks.
Phoenix chose a bad time to have an off-night, as its usual reliables were kept in check. Import Marcellus Earlington did have 22 markers and 9 boards to lead the way, with Kai Ballungay and Richie Rivero contributing 10 markers apiece.
3 Keys to the Game
- Scottie Thompson. When the former one-time MVP is aggressive and looking to make plays, everything seems to click for Ginebra, and that’s what happened against Phoenix. Thompson looked for his shot early, and that unlocked the offense, giving Murphy and Aguilar room to operate and getting the others involved.
- Defense. Ginebra is the No. 1 defensive team this conference by points allowed, and it showed why on Sunday. Thompson and company clamped down on the Fuel Masters, holding them to 39.5% shooting overall and forcing them into 14 miscues. Ginebra also held Phoenix to 32 points in the middle quarters to build a big lead heading into the fourth.
- Interior scoring. With Murphy and Aguilar getting inside and Thompson driving hard, Ginebra repeatedly got good paint looks and converted plenty. In the end, the crowd darlings outscored Phoenix in the interior, 46-28.
Next Up for the PBA
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Ynares Center Antipolo
San Miguel Beermen vs. NLEX Road Warriors (5:15 p.m.)
Magnolia Hotshots vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7:30 p.m.)
