Ginebra’s Playoff Hopes Get a Major Boost as Scottie Thompson Delivers a Vintage Night

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Scottie Thompson found his best form when Barangay Ginebra needed it most. The former MVP erupted for 29 points and 10 rebounds in a 106-89 rout of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Sunday, Oct. 18, keeping the Gin Kings’ playoff hopes alive.

Ginebra must beat the Blackwater Bossing in the elimination-round finale to lock up the final quarterfinal spot in Group B. Thompson’s best game of the season gave the Gin Kings the momentum to do it.

Scottie Thompson scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Barangay Ginebra defeated Phoenix Super LPG, 106-89, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. [PBA Images]

Scottie Thompson Powers Ginebra Past Phoenix

Thompson finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. He was named Player of the Game for his all-around effort.

“For us, this is playoffs already,” Thompson said. He played with urgency and resolve all night.

“We got some incredible performances tonight. Scottie’s amazing, he turned back the clock in so many ways,” said coach Tim Cone. Ginebra bounced back from a 112-93 loss to Magnolia.

Phoenix led 38-36 after the first quarter. Ginebra then took control with a big second-quarter run and led 65-45 at halftime.

Ginebra Playoff Picture: Blackwater Game Looms

Ginebra improved to 4-5 and moved into fourth place in Group B. A win over Blackwater would secure the final quarterfinal spot and avoid a tiebreaker.

A Blackwater win could force a three-way tie with Ginebra and Meralco. The deadlock would be settled by quotient.

Cone said consistency is the key to surviving that game. “We need to be consistent. We’ve been really high then go down to very low. Hopefully, we can smooth ourselves out and find a way to be consistent,” he said.

Jordan Murphy added 28 points and 13 rebounds for Ginebra. Japeth Aguilar had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Jeremiah Gray scored 12 off the bench.

“Our import played really well, he’s all over the floor and played with great hustle and force. RJ did a good job controlling tempo and Jeremiah had a good night. He plays like that, and it deepens our lineup,” Cone added.

Marcellus Earlington paced Phoenix with 22 points. Ricci Rivero and Kai Ballungay added 10 points each.