The Phoenix Fuel Masters are aiming for their first win of the conference when they take on the talented-but-currently-shaky Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Catch the game this Friday, September 6th, at 7:30 PM.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2-2)
Projected starting five:
- Scottie Thompson
- Maverick Ahanmisi
- Stephen Holt
- Justin Brownlee
- Japeth Aguilar
The Gin Kings have alternated wins and losses after four games, but they are currently on the win column as they are coming off a one-sided, 119-91 win over the NLEX Road Warriors this past Tuesday. Ginebra is averaging 94.2 points per game in the conference while allowing 90.2 in return.
The recent win was also encouraging as it featured a balanced attack, with six players scoring in double figures. Stephen Holt led the way with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, easily his best game of the Governor’s Cup. Scottie Thompson (19 pts, 5pts, 3 stls, 7/10 FGs), Maverick Ahanmisi (20 pts, 8 rebs, 4 ast), and RJ Abarrientos (19 pts, 3 threes, 2 stls) were right behind and likewise had productive nights.
Import Justin Brownlee was quiet, shooting just 4-of-6 for 13 points while dishing out nine assists, but it was good to see him take a backseat while the locals provided the goods. He should be back to scoring big again on Friday.
Phoenix Fuel Masters (0-4)
Projected starting five:
- Javee Mocon
- Sean Manganti
- Ken Tuffin
- Jason Perkins
- Brandone Francis
Still winless after four outings, Phoenix appears to be on a path to the bottom yet again. They are scoring just 103.2 PPG with a -9.3 point differential in the conference.
New import Brandone Francis had a prolific debut in the team’s 123-111 loss to Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday, notching 45 points, 10 boards, and eight assists. He instantly took over the offense as well, and shot 16-of-37, including 2-of-11 from beyond the arc. PHX will need him to do that and more vs. Barangay Ginebra, hopefully more efficient, though.
It will be quite the workload since the reliable scoring support is thin beyond Jason Perkins, who scored 29 on 11-of-22 FGs vs. Blackwater. The two tallied 74 points and the rest of the team combined for just 37 points, none of which reached double-digits.
Other locals like Javee Mocon, RR Garcia, and Tyler Tio will need to step up, and make their presence felt on either side of the ball.
PICKS:
Spread: Ginebra (-11)
Over/Under: Over (207.5)
