MANILA, Philippines — Phoenix built a big enough lead that cushioned the impact of Barangay Ginebra’s fourth quarter rally as the team squeezed out a narrow 81-78 win to stay perfect in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
American import Riley Grigsby led the Gin Kings’ huge rally, scoring 10 in the final period, including a layup with six seconds left to put them to within 78-81.
Ginebra still had a chance to steal the game away when Phoenix import Robert Johnson III missed his two foul shots with two seconds left.
But Jeremiah Gray missed his four-point attempt in the final play, allowing Phoenix to escape with its third straight win for the conference.
Johnson led Phoenix with 23 points and 11 rebounds, Ricci Rivero had 18 and nine, while Kai Ballungay and Jason Perkins 12 and 10 each.
Grigsby, playing as a temporary replacement for the injured Justin Brownlee, debuted with 42 points and 13 rebounds.
Gray and RJ Abarrientos scored just nine and eight, with the two combining to shoot just 6-of-30 overall.
