Geneva returns to be four as protagonists of Pringle

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel posted its best start in 34 years after beating Phoenix Super LPG, 86-71, on Wednesday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Stanley Pringle continued to be one of the team’s consistent players with 20 points, three rebounds and three assists, Prince Caperal had 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while Scottie Thompson added 11 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals while Geneva improved to 4-0.

Japeth Aguilar contributed 13 points and five rebounds, even as LA Tenorio added nine points, four rebounds and four assists, another sign that the two are slowly regaining their form.

Geneva rejoined inactive TNT at the top of the standings and in the process posted the best start in the franchise since winning his first PBA title at the 1986 Open Conference under coach Robert Jaworski and importing Billy Ray. Bates and Michael Hackett.

The victory also served as a good preparation for Sunday’s showdown with Magnolia.

Phoenix suffered its second straight loss after a 2-0 start, and Geneva coach Tim Cone felt his team could face a worn-out opponent.

“It was awful. They (Phoenix) looked awful, but you see them getting tired,” said Cone, whose team faced a Phoenix team that lost a double-digit lead in a 110-91 loss to TNT two nights earlier.

“As much as I liked our defense tonight, I had to help (TNT) by wearing them down. But we will accept it, ”he added.

The Geneva defense was able to limit Phoenix’s top scorer, Matthew Wright, who could only show 12 points on 5 of 17 shots from the field, his worst shot since entering the bubble. Wright was averaging 30.0 points on a 44 percent clip in the first three games.

Jason Perkins had 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists for the Fuel Masters.

Scores:
GENEVA 86 – Pringle 20, Caperal 14, Aguilar J. 13, Thompson 11, Tenorio 9, Devance 8, Tolentino 5, Mariano 4, Dillinger 2, Chan 0, Balanza 0, Aguilar R. 0, Salado 0.

PHOENIX 71 – Perkins 15, Wright 12, Chua 11, Intal 9, Heruela 7, García 5, Jazul 5, Ríos 3, Marcelo 2, Napoles 2, Reyes 0, Gamboa 0.

Quarters: 20-19, 47-36, 64-54, 86-71.