Phoenix spoils Ginebra fun in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — Jonathan Williams banged in a 20-20 performance as Phoenix outdueled Barangay Ginebra, 82-77, to keep solo second in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night in San Jose, Batangas.

Williams delivered 24 points and 23 rebounds, including a clutch defensive board and insurance free throws in the last 1.8 seconds, as the Fuel Masters made it five straight in front of a packed, pro-Ginebra crowd at the FPJ Arena.

Rookie Ken Tuffin gave Williams a big helping hand with his 18 markers spiked by a thunderous triple that gave Phoenix an 80-72 cushion going to the final 2:34.

With the two as chief instigators, the Fuel Masters outscored the Gin Kings in the fourth, 24-14, en route to a 6-1 card overall behind unbeaten Magnolia (6-0).

Jamike Jarin’s charges, who fought back from an early nine-point deficit, spoiled the homecoming of Batangas’ proud son LA Tenorio, who is from Nasugbu.

Subsequently, they ended the Gin Kings’ three-game roll and sent the defending champs down to fifth at 4-2.

Tony Bishop, with 21-15-6, and Jamie Malonzo, with 20-10, paced Ginebra as Christian Standhardinger (12) and Maverick Ahanmisi (4) struggled against Phoenix.

Meanwhile, NorthPort can cap a character-building stretch with a third straight win when it meets Meralco (4-1).

Game time is 3p.m. at the PhilSports Arena with Bonnie Tan’s charges out to claim the scalp of another heavyweight in the Bolts on the heels of their 115-110 upset of San Miguel minus Venky Jois Friday and previous 111-95 rout of Converge with the Aussie Wednesday.

“We’re challenging our players. Sabi namin mga bata naman sila and they’re practicing every day. Ang challenge ko is to get two out of three (in this stretch). Naka-dalawa na and we now have momentum to aim for the third win sa Sunday against Meralco,” said Tan.

NorthPort is in a hectic three-game, five-day schedule.