Phelps fuels Phoenix past Ginebra in double overtime

Eugene Phelps had 25 points with 14 rebounds and seven assists to lift the Phoenix Fuel Masters past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in double overtime, 103-98.

In extra time, Phoenix relied on a 7-2 run to start the second overtime period to put pressure on the Gin Kings. Ginebra was able to trim the lead to one, but a 4-0 finishing kick in the final minute was enough to earn the victory.

Phelps had help from Jeff Chan, who played almost 44 minutes for 22 points. Matthew Wright tallied 19, while RJ Jazul and Jason Perkins chipped in 12 apiece.

Ginebra actually shot better on the field, hitting 47 percent to Phoenix’s 35 percent, but the Fuel Masters had 18 more possessions, thanks to the 67-56 disparity in rebounding. Phoenix also forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 26 big points.

Charles Garcia had 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Gin Kings, but it was Japeth Aguilar who top-scored with 25 points, nine boards, and five assists in more than 47 minutes on the floor. Scottie Thompson and Greg Slaughter contributed 17 and 14 points, respectively.

With the win, Phoenix now has a 3-2 win-loss record identical to the Meralco Bolts, for a soft spot in the middle of the standings. Barangay Ginebra, meanwhile, slid to 1-3, just ahead of NLEX (1-4), San Miguel (0-3), and Blackwater (0-6). — DVM, GMA News