Ginebra thwarts Blackwater for first win as Slaughter returns

Greg Slaughter's return worked wonders for Barangay Ginebra as it annihilated the Blackwater Elite, 105-91, for its first win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena here on Friday, May 11.

Slaughter, who last played a PBA game in February, delivered 12 points, 6 rebounds and two assists in nearly 25 minutes of action to help the Gin Kings end a two-game slump.

With the towering center attracting attention, 5 other Ginebra players breached double figures while two scored at least 8 points in the rout.

Kevin Ferrer chalked up a team-high of 21 points on top of 5 rebounds and 3 assists while import Charles Garcia finished with 18 points, highlighted by several rim-rattling dunks, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Japeth Aguilar added 13 points while Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Gin Kings sent the Elite to their 5th straight loss in as many outings.

"We went out there with a big lineup. We were not quite sure if it's gonna work for us but it got us playing well together. 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," said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

It was a toe-and-toe battle after the first quarter with Ginebra leading by just 5 points until it pulled away for good with a 64-41 cushion heading into the second half.

Jarrid Famous registered 25 points and 17 rebounds but his numbers weren't enough for the Elite to crack the winning column.

Roi Sumang had 18 points, 7 assists and 3 steals while Paul Zamar, who made his PBA debut, churned out 15 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.

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

Quarter scores: 32-27, 64-41, 87-65, 105-91