The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel gave Greg Slaughter a fitting welcome by feasting on the Blackwater Elite, 105-91, to earn their first win in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, Friday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Gin Kings have improved their card to 1-2, while the Elite have become the worst team in the mid-season tilt, as they are now winless in five outings.
Six players scored in double figures in the win, with Kevin Ferrer leading the pack with 21 points. Import Charles Garcia had 18 points and eight rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 18 markers and eight boards as well.
“We got great shooting tonight from Kevin, which makes a big difference. When you shoot the ball well, it makes the game a lot easier. We like how our big guys play together,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
“We thought Chuck was really good tonight. He’s a good complement to Greg and Japeth. He’s one of those guys who play like a wing even though he’s tall so we’ll see. We got a little bit of time now to get us a little bit sharper next game,” the winningest head coach in PBA history pointed out.
It was a close affair early, until the Barangay turned a slim two-point advantage to a 13-point lead, 43-30, after a 13-0 run to open the second frame. The floodgates then broke open wide, and the Elite drowned deep.
Ginebra would go on to lead by as much as 26 points, 103-77, after Japeth Aguilar’s basket with 3:59 left to play.
The seven-foot Slaughter, who last played back in February, had a successful return, as he had 12 points and six rebounds. Guards Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Reinforcement Jarrid Famous led Blackwater with 25 points and 17 rebounds. Roi Sumang supplied 18 points and seven assists with three steals, while Allein Maliksi provided 10 markers on 4-of-12 shooting.
The loss spoiled the PBA debut of Paul Zamar. But the fourth round draft pick of the 2012 PBA Rookie Draft still had a commendable outing, pouring 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor along with six rebounds.
Ginebra will next face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on May 20, Sunday, at 6:45 PM, while Blackwater will aim to end their slump versus the TNT Katropa next Friday, May 18, at 4:30 PM. Both games are at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Ginebra 105 — Ferrer 21, Garcia 18, J. Aguilar 13, Slaughter 12, Thompson 11, Tenorio 10, Caguioa 8, Mercado 8, R. Aguilar 2, Devance 2, Caperal 0, Manuel 0, Mariano 0, Taha 0.
Blackwater 91 — Famous 25, Sumang 18, Zamar 15, Maliksi 10, Erram 8, DiGregorio 7, Belo 4, Marcelo 2, Palma 2, Cruz 0, Jose 0, Pinto 0, Sena 0.
Quarterscores: 32-27, 64-41, 87-65, 105-91.
