The Phoenix Fuel Masters endured a near-collapse in the endgame but held on for an 81-78 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win is the Fuel Masters’ third straight to open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign. The loss is Ginebra’s first this conference.
What Happened?
Phoenix raced out to a commanding 32-15 lead after one behind 7 points apiece from BJ Johnson, Ken Tuffin, and Kai Ballungay, as well as 5 from Ricci Rivero off the bench. Ginebra found its footing somewhat in the second quarter, cutting down the lead to as low as eight, 35-27, at the 8:14 mark. But the Fuel Masters responded quickly and reestablished their double-digit lead en route to a 48-36 advantage at the half.
New import Riley Grigsby then tried carrying Ginebra after intermission, putting up 12 points in the third as he took over the offense. His effort, though, could only slice one point off the Phoenix lead as the Fuel Masters still entered the final frame ahead, 66-55. They continued to assert their will on Ginebra for much of the fourth and looked headed for an easy double-digit win as they led, 80-70, with just a minute left. Ginebra, though, tried one final fightback and cut the lead to 81-78 with a chance to tie or win outright with 2.3 ticks left. However, Jeremiah Gray’s contested four-pointer was way off.
Who Stood Out?
BJ Johnson led the way for Phoenix with a 23-point, 11-rebound effort highlighted by 5 steals and 2 blocks. Ricci Rivero sparked the Fuel Masters off the bench with 16 markers and 9 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac proved to be a steadying presence even as he scored only 6 points.
For Ginebra, Grigsby gave a good account of himself as Justin Brownlee’s replacement, finishing with 42 points and 13 rebounds while showing an inside-out game. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old newcomer, no other Ginebra player finished in double figures.
3 Keys to the Game
- Shooting. In a make-or-miss sport, Phoenix made more than Ginebra, plain and simple. And the disparity in shooting percentage tells the story of this game as the Fuel Masters shot 45.5% overall, while Ginebra finished at an atrocious 32.6%.
- Strong start. That strong start by Phoenix set the tone and had Ginebra playing catch-up all game long. And for a team with an infamously short rotation and without its best player overall, playing from behind is not exactly the best situation.
- Gian Mamuyac. Believe it or not, Mamuyac made an impact in his very first game as a Fuel Master. With Ginebra staging a furious comeback, Mamu came in and steadied the ship for Phoenix. He also hit two big jumpers—one to end the third and one to open the fourth—just as the barangay was starting to gain momentum.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Ynares Center – Antipolo
Meralco Bolts vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:15 p.m.)
Phoenix Fuel Masters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7:30 p.m.)
